University of South Dakota Athletics

USD Strength and Conditioning plays a vital role in the physical and mental development of our Coyote student-athletes. The program is under the direction of head coach Clete McLeod, alongside assistant coaches Dash Buntjer and Natalie Portwood. The crew is aided by two graduate assistant strength & conditioning coaches, as well as a host of aspiring coaching interns. The performance team uses a comprehensive approach to training; grounded in quality movement, peak athletic expression and proven recovery and fueling strategies in order to best serve the Coyote athletes.

In our training environment, student-athletes are coached to master basic barbell training for strength, as well as power expression through the Olympic lifts, plyometrics and other velocity based training systems. High level movement skills such as reaction, top speed acceleration and deceleration, and swift change of direction are refined and complemented with conditioning programs based on the specific movements and physiological demands of each sport.

The Hultgren Family Weight Room is a 7,500-square-foot facility located inside of the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment including 12 double-sided Sorinex Olympic training racks equipped with automated power assessing technology, this cutting-edge weight room is easily one of the best in the region. Complemented with nearly 1,500 lbs. of weight at each rack, selectorized cable towers, a full range of dumbbells, top of the line accessories and supplemental training pieces, these training stations are able to challenge anyone who accepts the task. An incredible assortment of strongman training pieces, high-speed treadmills and recovery assets make this one of the most uniquely diverse venues in all of collegiate athletics. Additionally, having 24 fully modular training stations provide the Coyotes with all the equipment they need to execute a full workout within a three-to-five yard halo. This lends to the athlete’s highly effective, safe and efficient performance enhancement session.

Attached to the weight room, athletes find a nutrition station that is rivaled only by top institutions. Coyotes are able to supplement their diet throughout the day with high-quality nutrition support including custom-made shakes for every need, a wide-assortment of whole-grain bagels and bread, spreads and cold cuts. There are also plenty of grab-and-go food items like cereal, granola, protein bars, fresh fruit, beef and bison jerky, to satisfy their quick snacking needs. Not only do we support quality feeding behavior, we educate our student-athletes to make healthy, lifelong commitments to their body.

Statements we train by:

• We challenge our athletes every day by promoting heartiness and resiliency, not just injury prevention.
• We express our movements with functional mobility, not just passive flexibility.
• We train to express power and speed in athletic endeavors, not just static strength.
• We promote quality, efficient and proven tactics for competitive movement.

Most importantly, our Coyotes are encouraged to be highly dependable, focused and spirited sportspersons, not just mentally tough.