Strength & Conditioning Staff

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Justin D. Snyder, MS, PES, CSCS

Justin was hired by Simpson College in January 2006 and is the first full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach in the school’s history.

The Panora, Iowa native is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Justin is also a certified Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Snyder received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Central College and earned his masters of science degree in injury prevention and performance enhancement from California University of Pennsylvania.

Snyder has been a professional in the field of strength and conditioning since 2001. During that time he has owned/operated a private strength and conditioning business and interned with Iowa State University, Drake University, and Central College. He has designed, implemented and administered year round strength and conditioning programs for athletes in a wide variety of sports at the high school and collegiate level since 2001, training himself for over 20 years.

Snyder also played college football for four years and was selected as a first team all-American defensive-end. He led the nation in sacks by a defensive-end that year with 21, as well as leading the conference in tackles for lost yardage.

Snyder resides with wife Lindsa and son Wyatt in Des Moines, Iowa.

Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach - Becca Carstensen

Becca was hired as an assistant strength and conditioning coach during the summer of 2007. She also became a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in the summer of 2007. A 2005 UW-Eau Claire graduate, she lettered in basketball and became an All-American volleyball player.

Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach - Nate Seberg

Nathan graduated from Simpson College in the spring of 2007 with a degree in sports administration and management. He was a three-year letter winner for Simpson as a defensive lineman and also a three-time Academic All-Conference recipient.

Undergraduate Assistant Coach - Scott Danielson

Scott is a junior from Dayton, IA. He is majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Exercise Science. He is a member of both the football and track teams. He has lettered twice in each sport. His future plans are to attend graduate school and either enter the coaching or personal training field. Scott is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Undergraduate Assistant Coach - Zach Haworth

Zach is a junior from Indianola, IA. He is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Management. He is a member of the football team and has lettered for two years. His future plans are to attend graduate school and continue in the strength and conditioning field. Zach hopes one day to become a strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level. He is also involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Undergraduate Assistant Coach - Kayla Knaack

Kayla is a senior from Correctionville, IA. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Exercise Science. She is a member of the Track and Field team, where she participates in the shot put, hammer, and weight throw. She was an academic all conference selection and a point earner in the conference meet. Her future plans include attending Palmer College of Chiropractics. Kayla is also involved in CHAMPs, SAAC, Beta Beta Beta (science fraternity), and ODK (scholarship and service fraternity).

Undergraduate Assistant Coach - Ryan Napoli

Ryan is a junior from Kansas City, MO. He is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Sports Administration. His future goals include graduate school in hopes of becoming a collegiate strength and conditioning coach. He is also involved in many intramurals on campus.

Intern Assistant Coach - Baron Davis

Baron is a junior from Knoxville, IA. He is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology and Management. He is a member of both the cross country and track teams. His future plans are to pursue a career in the personal training field.

Intern Assistant Coach - Robert Napoli

Robert is a junior from Kansas City, MO. He is majoring in Marketing with a minor in Sports Administration. He is a three year member of the football team, lettering one year. His future goals include working in sports marketing. He participates in many intramurals on campus, is a member of FCA, and enjoys working in the Strength & Conditioning department.

Intern Assistant Coach - Eric Osterhaus

Eric is a senior from Waterville, IA. He is majoring in Exercise Science. Eric is also a member of the cross country and track teams. He has been a captain of the cross country team for the past three years. His future goals include working in the health and fitness field after graduation.

Intern Assistant Coach - Joe Petersen

Joe is a junior from Norwalk, IA. He is majoring in Sports Administration with a management minor. He is a three year member of the Simpson football team. His future goals include possibly becoming and athletic director or coach. Joe is also a member of the Intramural Council.

Intern Assistant Coach - Robyn Ruggles

Robyn is a freshman from Eagan, MN. She is majoring in Criminal Justice Administration, Sports Administration, and Spanish. Her future goals include finding a job in Federal Law Enforcement. Robyn is also involved in Student Support Services here at Simpson College.

Intern Assistant Coach - Sampson Shnurman

Sampson is an athletic training major with a passion for strength and conditioning. He is a semi-pro racquet ball competitor.

Last Updated: 2/26/09