Casebolt strengthens Linn-Mar athletics

MARION - Bob Forsyth recognized what Matt Casebolt would bring to the Linn-Mar football program as his offensive coordinator,

He didn't imagine the impact that hire would have on the entire athletics department and beyond.

'Matt was clearly the best football coach I could find to run our offense,” Forsyth said. He did have some strength and conditioning background, but I didn't realize what an asset he would be to the whole district and our school through the physical fitness program.”

Casebolt has directed the Lions offense under Forsyth since he took over eight years ago. He also helped spearhead the strength and conditioning program through the physical fitness curriculum, working with athletes from all sports and other students. The tools that he has helped instill in the Lions (1-2) will be on display when they play Class 4A seventh-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington (2-1) Thursday night in non-district play at Kingston Stadium.

'In reality, we have a lot of programs here that have kids involved,” Casebolt said. 'Different sports have utilized some stuff we use here for football. I tell kids we train you to be athletes. We're not training you to be football players, basketball players or wrestlers. Everything we do is for you to be a better athlete.”

Casebolt played quarterback at Cornell College, graduating in 1998. He was a fitness junkie during his playing days, but studied strength and conditioning intricacies more as an assistant for the Rams. Casebolt blossomed when he served a four-year stint at Iowa City High, working with Tim Casey, who helped with the Little Hawks' strength and conditioning. They routinely observed University of Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle work with Hawkeye athletes, using much of his approach for the foundation of the current regimen at Linn-Mar.

'There were numerous times we'd go over and watch Iowa for strength and conditioning stuff,” Casebolt said. 'The core principles we use are the same that Coach Doyle does.

'My passion took off from there.”

Lions senior Dallas McFarland recalled his freshman year, working with Casebolt for the first time. He didn't have much experience with weight training. In a short period, MacFarland made ground on some upperclassmen.

'All my (maximum weights) were low,” said McFarland, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds. 'In about a year, I was catching up to guys two or three years older than me, getting stronger because of how he taught us to lift and what he told us to do nutritionally.”

Casebolt preaches proper nutrition and rest for recuperation. As much as athletes become physically stronger, the mental gains are as crucial. The Lions have seen the difference late in contests and have increased confidence they can outlast opponents.

'We talk about our games that if we can go out every day and keep at a high level,” McFarland said. 'It makes us feel better. If we can start running down the other team, then it gives us a little bit of an edge, It's not just in our head but on the field we have more confidence to play better and better odds to win.”

Training has evolved and changes are constant. The landscape looks drastically different from when Casebolt began coaching and even more so from when he lifted as a high school and college athlete. Athletes just don't focus on power and strength. The focus is also on flexibility with full range of motion, linear and lateral speed, single leg and arm exercises and plyometric work.

It's about creating the full athlete,” Casebolt said. 'It's pretty crazy how many elements there are to it.”

The challenge continues to stay updated on technique and information. Professional and college programs help lead the way. He gets ideas from various camps and clinics and researches online.

'It's a trickle-down effect,” Casebolt said. 'You're just trying to keep up to make it fun and enjoyable for the kids.”

While many teachers are away from school during summer months or other coaches are removed from their athletes, Casebolt is a regular at the Linn-Mar weight room. The facility is open from 7 a.m. to noon five days a week and the fitness program works with at least 250 athletes from seventh through 12th grade.

'His expertise and what he brings to the strength and conditioning program, but what is most impressive to me is how much he cares about the kids, not only their strength but their self-esteem development. He has created such a positive environment.”

Casebolt's reach extends beyond any of the players lacing up cleats or donning uniforms. Forsyth said the weight room has become the second-most used facility in the school behind the cafeteria. Students gravitate to the center. Casebolt can be found there for morning sessions before school, for a full day of classes and then for afternoon workouts.

'He knows how to motivate kids,” Forsyth said. 'The positive environment has been the biggest thing. I think that is a key to what he does.

'He's on the cutting edge of stuff. It spills over into our fitness program.”

In addition to results in the playing arena, Casebolt receives just as much satisfaction from his lessons sticking with students when they leave Linn-Mar. He said alumni have told him about being fitness 'addicts” to support an active and healthy lifestyle. One credited the program for helping complete basic training for military.

'The amount of work the kids put in is incredible. They embrace it,” Casebolt said. 'You hope it carries over into the season, but you're really excited when it extends into the future.”

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