29

SUMMER 2024 Tell us about your family: I met my beautiful wife, Ashley, when I started coaching at Shiloh in 2014. Ashley is an occupational therapist from Bixby, OK. We have two great dogs, Jake and Max. When I am not at work, we enjoy spending time together and visiting new restaurants around NWA and the Tulsa area. We also enjoy exercising and taking the dogs for walks. Why did you choose to become a Strength and Conditioning Coach? What certifications are required?: As a kid, I always loved working out, and this passion continued into adulthood. God has called me to minister to athletes through Strength and Conditioning. I was blessed to have incredible learning experiences along the way. I studied under legendary Strength Coach Bill Gillespie at Liberty University as an intern and then learned from former Shiloh Strength Coaches John Durmon and Tyler Weddle. Many other coaches in my life helped me, and I am thankful that the Lord has given me this opportunity to invest in our future generations. Certifications such as CSCS, USAW, PNL1, and CFL1 are highly recommended in my field but not required. As any coach should, I am always learning and striving to be my best. I achieve this by attending conferences, talking with other coaches, listening to podcasts, reflecting on previous years, and improving on past plans. As a strength coach, it is important to continue my education and be a lifelong learner to help athletes succeed in their sports and be ready for life after sports. What is a typical workday like for you? A typical workday would consist of coaching one or more sports teams who strength train at 7:00 am and 7:45 am. After that, I prepare for class. I teach three Personal Finance classes from 9:40 am to 12:15 pm. After lunch, I run the 7th grade football practice or train more teams in the weight room from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm, followed by varsity football practice or training more teams from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (depending on which season is in). In the fall, I spend more time on the football field and at games, but I get to work with all the teams in the weight room in the spring. ANDREW JORDAN 27 What do you love most about your job? I interact with, encourage, and push athletes to be their best daily. Creating lasting relationships with amazing students and watching them grow into godly young men and women is a privilege. I try to model Christ and show them that the weight room can teach countless life lessons. Our motto in the weight room is “Attack the Day,” and with this motto, I see how strength training can transform lives. With this mindset, student-athletes can confidently enter the classroom, navigate relationships with friends, family, and teachers, and face difficult life trials. Each year, I see athletes become more confident, learn to care for their bodies, and grow stronger physically and mentally. I love to see how an athlete can transform from their 7th grade to their senior year. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during your time at Shiloh?: I’ve learned so many lessons during my time at Shiloh, but the two that stick out the most to me are the importance of seeking Christ and abiding daily with Him (in the Word and in fellowship with other believers) and the importance of hard work and excellence in all I do. I’m blessed to work with the most amazing administration, coaches, and teachers in the state, and my work environment inspires me to be better every day.

30 Publizr Home


You need flash player to view this online publication