Kinesiology professor presents research

Kyle Ochsner, kinesiology instructor and strength and conditioning coach at Northwestern College, presented at the 2015 Minnesota Sports Performance Clinic May 1–2 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Ochsner’s presentation, “The Integration of Athletics and Academics: An Integral Approach to Intern and Graduate Assistant Development,” focused on the process of preparing college students to become competent, competitive and respectful strength and conditioning coaches.

Based off of research and a successful proposal completed by Dr. Dean Calsbeek, associate professor of kinesiology at Northwestern, Ochsner’s presentation touched on a few of the desires and expectations coaches look for in first-time assistants, and how the course of study in Northwestern’s strength and conditioning career concentration addresses and encourages those qualities in students.

“My presentation expanded on the college’s class structure and how Northwestern’s athletic strength and conditioning program flows throughout our academic curriculum, most predominately in our practicums,” says Ochsner. “I also provided some possible avenues that the audience could utilize to create a similar atmosphere at their respective institutions.”

The annual conference allows kinesiology faculty and coaches an opportunity to share ideas and strategies for improved athletic performance and instruction.

Prior to joining Northwestern’s faculty in 2012, Ochsner served as a strength and conditioning assistant at the University of Minnesota and the head strength and conditioning coordinator for Woodbury High School in Minnesota. He currently overseas the strength and conditioning programs for various athletic teams in addition to teaching courses for the college’s strength and conditioning career concentration.

A graduate and former wrestler, sprinter, running back and football captain at Northwestern College, Ochsner earned a master’s degree in exercise and sports science from Texas Tech University.