GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa University announced the hiring of Mark Ryan as the head strength and conditioning coach on Tuesday (Jan. 10) afternoon. Ryan has served the past nine years as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at the institution.
 
"This is a tremendous opportunity, one which I am extremely grateful for," Ryan said. "I'd like to thank President Marshall and the members of the search committee, Chris Hanks, Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Irion and Mr. Fossett. I'd also like to share my appreciation with my fellow Maverick strength and conditioning colleagues, past and present, for their support and mentorship."
 
During his time at Colorado Mesa, he has worked with nearly every program in the department and has developed several All-RMAC honorees, RMAC Championship winning teams and athletes, and NCAA All-Americans. He has coached six individual sport National Champions including four track and field athletes, a men's wrestlers, and one in diving.
 
Prior to his time at Colorado Mesa, he served as a strength and conditioning student assistant at Colorado State University and an intern strength and conditioning coach at Drake University. He later spent eight years as the elite trainer and director of fitness at Gold's Gym/Mesa Fitness in Grand Junction.
 
Mark graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University and earned his master's degree in Applied Exercise Science from Concordia University of Chicago. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is also certified by USA Weightlifting and holds an Eleiko Strength Coach Certification.
 
"I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors in developing Maverick champions in sport and in life"