About Coach Dave
MISSION - Develop, drive and assist in the management of success of those who I coach. Consider all aspects of the athlete including the physical, mental, technical and competitive and address all of these through teaching and coaching. Stress the importance of being composed, present, competent and confident. Motivate through example and positive reinforcement.
Dave coaches swimmers and triathletes and offers over two decades of coaching experience at the college, club and masters levels. His athletes range from beginner to elite levels. He has successfully applied his coaching practice to the tactical realm by providing coaching and strength training to EMTs and those preparing for special operations in the military. Dave's coaching has also included those who are competing in the Paralympic arena. Dave is pictured above with Steph Vrettakos, Gold medalist at the 2014 Speedo CanAm Para-Swimming Championships.
Dave is a certified professional member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
He holds the following credentials:
CSCS - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
CPT - Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA)
USA Swimming Certified Coach
FMS - Certified Level 1 - http://www.functionalmovement.com/
AED/CPR and First Aid - Certified
NC State Certified EMT
Dave is a former Division I athlete and four year letterman in swimming at West Virginia University. Entering college as a walk-on, Dave ascended the ranks eventually winning individual conference titles for WVU in Breaststroke events while also setting school records. He received a full athletic scholarship by his senior year. He transitioned from swimming to triathlon and then to cycling where his 200 plus pound physique was most fitted to sprint oriented criterium races in cycling. Open to the challenges of any distance, Dave has competed in all distance triathlons including the Ironman Distance (140.6). As a masters swimmer, he achieved a FINA Top 5 World Ranking in Breaststroke.
Sound coaching principles transfer from one sport to another. I enjoy coaching athletes in motorsports (motorcycle road racing and motocross) in terms of strength and conditioning. As well, I have had the opportunity to work with athletes who are in the tactical space. It's a pleasure to have positively impacted many racers and operators. The principles that make someone successful in one sport or arena are the consistent. Discipline, technique, biomechanical efficiency, sound program design, movement analysis and strategy are all present in every program that Dave designs and coaches.
Organizations where Dave has coached.
UMBC and Retriever Aquatics, Assistant College and Club Coach
University of Pittsburgh and Team Pittsburgh Aquatics, Assistant College and Head Club Coach
National Triathlon Academy, Head Swimming Coach, Triathlon Coach
Spinervals Cycling Coach
NBAC Masters Swimming Coach
Maryland Masters Swimming Coach
Eagle Swim Team, Club, High School, Masters Swimming Coach
TYDE Swim Team, National Team Head Swimming Coach and Strength Coach, Masters Coach
Wake Forest University - Masters Swimming Team (current)