Former Spartan Great Paul Harker Named Miami’s Director of Strength and Conditioning

 

 

OXFORD, Ohio – PAUL HARKER has been named as Miami University’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, Director of Athletics BRAD BATES announced Tuesday (Feb. 8).

Harker will serve as administrator for Miami’s entire strength and conditioning and be directly responsible for training the RedHawk football team.

“Paul Harker is a very good fit for our Miami athletic family,” said Head Football Coach DON TREADWELL. “He brings high energy and enthusiasm with a strong background of preparation, having been trained by one of the best in the business, Ken Mannie of Michigan State University. Paul will help our athletes reach their full potential and learn to appreciate the value of training for results.”

 

A former student-athlete at Michigan State University, Harker joins Miami from Wayne State University where he served as the Warriors’ strength and condition coaching since 2006. He was promoted to an assistant athletic director position in July of 2010.

Harker is both CSCS certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and SCCC certified through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. He was MSU’s graduate assistant in strength and conditioning for the two years prior to moving to Wayne State.

 

A three-year letter winner for the Spartans, Harker was voted to both the coaches and media honorable mention All-Big Ten teams in 2003 while serving as one of four team captains. In addition, he earned Academic All-Big Ten and CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team honors after starting all 13 games as a senior. He also received the Biggie Munn Award as Most Inspirational and MSU's Iron Man Award for his work in the weight room.

 

A 2003 Michigan State graduate with a bachelor's degree in communications, he received his master's degree in kinesiology from MSU in 2006.

 

"I am truly ecstatic about the opportunity to be a part of such a rich and distinguished program as Miami,” said Harker, “and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of all Miami programs."

 

Harker is a native of Dayton, Ohio, having attended Chaminade-Julienne High School. His wife, Erin, and their dogs, Lucy and Melody, will join him in Oxford.