Woodruff's Ryan Thomas Named South Carolina 3A Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year
Woodruff High strength and conditioning coach Ryan Thomas was named the state's 3A strength coach of the year by his peers. In five years he rebuilt the Wolverines' program, and his lifters have won individual and team state titles.
The Woodruff Times reported on August 1, 2026 that Woodruff High School strength and conditioning coach Ryan Thomas had been recognized as South Carolina's 3A Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.
The program: In his five years at Woodruff, Thomas overhauled the Wolverines' strength program. The paper credits his methods, intensity and a family atmosphere with making many Woodruff athletes stronger and faster. Beyond lifting, the program works on speed, reaction time, and weekly yoga and stretching to reduce injuries.
Results: Under Thomas, several Woodruff athletes have won state lifting championships, and the school has won the team powerlifting state championship. The story highlights a recent graduate who won four straight state power clean titles in her weight class (2023-2026) and was twice named Miss Clean, the award for the best lifter across all classifications.
Thomas, known to athletes as "Coach T," said the honor reflects his student-athletes and the support of the school district and community.
Read the full story, including athletes' own words, at The Woodruff Times (link below).