CARLISLE, Pa. – For the first-time in the history of Dickinson College Athletics there will be an individual with complete oversight of the weight room, as Director of Athletics Celine Cunningham has announced the hiring of Mike Myers as the first full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach.

"I am honored to join the Dickinson family for multiple reasons. Celine was very positive and clear about the direction Dickinson is going and I wanted to be a part of it" Myers said. "The opportunity to bring new ideas, expand a new role and to win was at the top of her list which was very enticing. During the interview process I was able to meet almost every coach and get to know them and see how much value they wanted to put into this role was quite impressive as well. I cannot wait to get started."

"We are thrilled to have Mike join us" said Cunningham. "His years of experience in addition to his connection to the area made him a natural fit for this new position here at Dickinson. During the interview process he clearly outlined his plan for what he wants for our athletes and his visions for success. We cannot be more excited to have him join our Red Devil family".

"This is huge!" Myers said when asked about being the first full-time strength and conditioning coach. "This is a big role to work with all sports/coaches/athletes but to be the first and to pave the way forward for future coaches made this opportunity even more desirable. The fact that I can do it where I grew up is even more special."

Myers arrives in Carlisle after spending the last two years in sunny, South Florida as a member of the Miami Marlins strength and conditioning staff. During his time with the Fish, Myers led all aspects of the strength and conditioning programs for both the minor and major league teams. Specifically, he dealt with the daily strength and conditioning duties for the major league team, which included assisting with team travel. Prior to working with the Marlins, Myers had stints with both the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies where he assisted with daily tasks such as data collection, program writing, leading stretches, gym sessions and conditioning sessions. Myers is also no stranger to collegiate athletics serving as an strength and conditioning intern at Bucknell University, Stanford University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of South Florida.

"Every experience I have had from internships to full-time roles working with different athletes has prepared me for a role like this" Myers added. "I like to think that I have taken the positives from every coach that I have worked with and put it into my person repertoire" he continued. "When I started in professional baseball after leaving college athletics, I had to find a way to motivate athletes without your typical "college" approach where they have to show up at a certain time and get work done. Relationship building was how I did it then and have found that is the key to finding what motivates and connects you to the athletes which is what I plan to do here at Dickinson."

When asked what he wants to accomplish Myers answer was straightforward "the ultimate goal is to help each athlete find their own individual/unique confidence that helps them achieve higher levels of performance in their sport, but more importantly in their lives. Confidence is built from both success and failure, but ultimately how you choose to respond to both" he added. "The weight room is a place where we can see those opportunities present themselves on a consistent basis."

Myers began his time with the Red and White during the first week of August.