Sirignano Confident in Program's Accountability

University of Louisville head strength and conditioning coach Mike Sirignano is a creature of habit.

To work for UofL head coach Scott Satterfield, he has no choice.

One of the reasons for Satterfield's continued run of success has been consistency. The second-hear head coach is consistent with his demeanor, and how he conducts the program. That's why, while certainly not ideal conditions, the Cardinals are able to continue on a path to success despite being spread out around the country because of the COVID-19 virus.

"I think we were more prepared for this pandemic than most," Sirignano said. Last May we rolled out a Social Media accountability communication protocol because our may break is much longer than most due to the Kentucky Derby festivities."

Sirignano's plan includes 10 accountability groups with 8-9 players in each group with a member of the strength staff or athletic training staff, leading the group text message or in some cases using video chats.

Currently, each group has several leaders or veteran players with some younger guys mixed into the groups. It's the task of each staff member job to keep open dialogue daily with the workout plan that is put in place, and it's the leaders job is to hold teammates accountable.

If a team member gets work in they send a picture or video of them doing so voluntarily to the group chat where they score points for their team and Sirignano and staff hold "10 Strong" video chats" weekly on a voluntary basics.

"This group has expanded from 10 guys to around 22 guys this season, which is an illustration on how far this program has come in a short period of time," Sirignano said. "They are our leaders and voice. They are the group that includes coach Satterfield, Chris Morgan, and myself to develop the leadership techniques, which filters down to their teammates."

Sirignano was one of Satterfield's first hires in 2018 because of his ability to lead a group of young men, and get them to follow along with the plan, which was evident with the team's 8-5 turnaround and how the players re-tooled their bodies.

While there has been so much change, Sirignano feels the team can continue to takes big strides forward without his consistent supervision.

"The one plan that I've instituted is not far off from what we do on campus with weight training equipment that most of our guys have access to while at home."

"A second plan with body weight and make shift equipment that include everyday house hold items. Our guys are extremely resilient. We have had players go as far to build squat racks and benches out of wood and go buy gym sets. Our guys are being as creative as possible and lean on each other to find a way to get the program done."

Despite 100 or more players being on their own, Sirignano has been pleased with the accountability the players have shown without having a coach dictate their every move in the weight room.

"I couldn't be happier from what I've seen from our players," Sirignano said. Our guys have set goals for themselves. I talk to them daily. They know what that kind of work I like to accomplish, and they have fallen in love with the process. They understand consistent action equals consistent results."

"Our culture is unbelievable. It's always evolving and being manipulated. We've been trying to build a player lead team since we took over in December of 2018. This will just back up what we have been telling the players for over 15 months now."

Besides focusing on a workout program, nutrition has been a big part of the success in the team losing and gaining weight, depending on what Sirignano and the coaching staff thinks for each and every player. While

"This is something we are working on with our accountability groups," Sirignano said. "Our nutritionist, Emily Artner has a list of high risk guys she talks to daily. We are also working on sending them protein supplements and snacks. The education process is always on-going with our staff so we're just keeping the dialogue open daily."

A high-energy coach, it has to be hard for Sirignano to have quite a bit of free time, when usually he's running four of five lift groups through the weight room on a daily basis, but he's been using his time wisely.

"I've been fortunate to be spending time with my family, which I will never complain about because I have a great wife and a beautiful son," Sirignano said. As coaches, we don't get a lot of time with them so we can't take this time for granted. I try to stay positive and active. I'm also trying to find ways to motivate the masses as well during the day."

There is a lot of questions that need to be answered over the next few months, but rest assured the Cardinals, under Sirignano's guidance, will be ready whenever the country is re-opened for business.

"Coach Satterfield over the years has put a very consistent plan together for our teams," Sirignano said. "The process never really changes and are athletes understand that. A lot of strength coaches get nervous that they will not have enough time. I don't because our schedule is set every year. Our guys understand that as long as they are putting in the work that is outlined, we will need anywhere from 3-4 weeks to get into what we consider championship shape."

University of Louisville Athletics

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