Ryder Weischedel Earns Master Strength and Conditioning Coach Distinction
Jamestown, N.D. — Ryder Weischedel at University of Jamestown, has earned the title of Master Strength and Conditioning Coach through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA), one of the highest honors in the profession.
Weischedel received the distinction during the organization’s national conference, held May 4–6 in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This is undoubtedly the highest honor that can be achieved in the strength and conditioning coaching profession,” said Donald Decker, CEO of the CSCCa. “It represents professionalism, knowledge, experience, expertise, as well as longevity in the field.”
To achieve master-level status, Weischedel needed to meet extensive professional criteria, including maintaining certification through the CSCCa since 2009 and serving as a full-time collegiate and/or professional strength and conditioning coach for a minimum of 12 years while actively practicing in the field.
Only 380 individuals have received the title of Master Strength and Conditioning Coach through the CSCCa. The CSCCa provides one of only two primary strength and conditioning certifications recognized by the NCAA.
“Ryder’s impact reaches far beyond athletic performance,” said Austin Hieb. “He challenges our student-athletes to pursue excellence with discipline, resilience, and character. This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment he brings to our students and campus community every day. He’s indispensable to our athletic department and we’re extremely fortunate to have him leading the growth of our student-athletes.”
A 2007 graduate of the University of Jamestown, Weischedel was a second-team all-conference safety for Jimmie football and a national qualifier for Jimmie wrestling at 165 pounds during his senior season.
He holds a Master of Science in Sports Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania, now PennWest University, and has served as UJ’s strength and conditioning coach since July 2018. In 2023, he was named University of Jamestown Staff Person of the Year.
Today, Weischedel oversees strength and conditioning programming and student wellness initiatives for more than 650 student-athletes across 25 athletic programs.
“Coach Weischedel is a leader in his field and has dedicated his life and career to collegiate strength and conditioning,” Decker said in a letter to the University of Jamestown. “We commend your university for promoting such excellence in coaching as has been demonstrated by Coach Weischedel.”
As part of his new distinction, Weischedel will assist in reviewing practical exams for prospective coaches seeking certification through the CSCCa at future national conventions.
“It’s definitely an honor to be able to be in the field this long,” Weischedel said. “To see the development and the growth of young men and women, and to see them be successful on the field, is pretty cool.”
About University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.
