Strength & Conditioning

Wayne State University Athletics

The Warrior strength and conditioning program strives to maximize every athlete's potential through the use of safe, effective, and time efficient training protocols with an emphasis on intensity and execution, while minimizing the risk of injury.

Wayne State Strength and Conditioning Staff
Ruben Mendoza • Head Strength & Conditioning Coach • Email
Justin Kelly • Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach • Email

Max Bernstein • Strength & Conditioning Graduate Assistant • Email
Emerson Combs • Strength & Conditioning Graduate Assistant • Email

Strength & Conditioning Office - Call (313) 577-4278

WSU Strength and Conditioning Philosophy

WSU Strength and Conditioning Mission Statement

Facilities
The nearly 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Athletic Performance Center was completed and opened in May of 2018 and gives student-athletes access to 24 work stations. Those stations include eight Rogers Brute half-racks and eighth Rogers Dual racks, allowing athletes perform various exercises. All the Dual racks are bridged together adding additional pull-up bars and TRX attachments. Benches fold up for easy storage, utilizing the space more efficiently. The space also includes a variety of 11 Pendulum plate-loaded machines by Rogers, 21,000 pounds of Iron Grip wights, dumbbells ranging from five to 150 pounds and a cardio area featuring Woodway, Stairmaster and Star Trac equipment. The APC also features a nutrition and hydration station, offering Gatorade products and protein recovery shakes. The spacious facility allows Wayne State student-athletes to train in a climate controlled environment featuring two industrial sized fans to aid with air flow. The west and north walls feature floor to ceiling walls, allowing for natural light to flood the space. Other features include 16 inlayed and branded platforms, a filtered water bottle station and restrooms.

The Warriors Strength and Conditioning program is responsible for all 18 varsity sports totaling approximately 400 student-athletes. The major goal of the Warriors Strength and Conditioning Program is to provide to our student-athletes the means by which they may develop attitude, work ethic, mental toughness, discipline and pride, in-self and total program. Athletes will train consistently, sensibly, and systematically over designed and designated period of time, in a safe, clean, and professional environment. Simply, to prevent injuries and enhance performance. The staff believes strength, speed and conditioning is the key to a successful athletic career at Wayne State University, we are always researching, developing and implementing strategies to give us the cutting edge to achieve optimum athletic success.

Head strength coach Ruben Mendoza, along with assistant strength coach Cody Vargo, graduate assistants and interns, directly oversee all aspects of the student-athletes training regimens. A variety of training methodologies are implemented from Olympic movements, powerlifting and functional training.

Internship/Volunteer Opportunities

The Wayne State strength & conditioning department offers paid internships as well as volunteer opportunities to work with its student-athletes during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Interested individuals should send a resume and references to:

Ruben Mendoza
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Wayne State University Department of Athletics
101 Matthaei
Detroit, MI 48202

For a detailed description of internship opportunities Click here.