About
Coach Dave
WFU Masters Swim Practice, April 2023
On Deck 5:45 AM
MANTRA
Improve
MISSION
Design programs that help you achieve your goals.
Identify and address each individuals strengths and areas of needed improvement.
Interact with clients throughout their journey about the process, their progress and keep them on the right track.
Motivate clients through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
Lead by example.
CERTIFICATIONS
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
(NSCA - National Strength and Conditioning Association)
ORGANIZATIONS
(past to present)
UMBC and Retriever Aquatics, Assistant College and Club Coach
University of Pittsburgh, Assistant Coach
Team Pittsburgh Aquatics, Head Coach
National Triathlon Academy, Head Swimming Coach, Triathlon Coach
Spinervals Cycling, Coach
NBAC Masters Swimming Coach
Training Tempered, LLC, Owner, 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 Coach
North Piedmont Aquatic Club (CURRENT)
PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
For decades I have worked with clients in their respective sports, endeavors and activities. It is a privilege to work with you regardless of your level experience or physical format. A great percentage of my time has been spent working with endurance athletes. A workable definition of "endurance athlete" is anyone whose event has a duration of about 4 minutes and beyond.
Swimming, Triathlon, Cycling, Motocross and those in the tactical realm are my specialty areas. In swimming I have had the opportunity to coach para-athletes in training and competition.
I offer in-person coaching locally as well as online coaching anywhere you are. I have worked with athletes from every corner of the country and have coached athletes who were outside of the US.
COACHING HISTORY
While at the teams and organizations (listed above) I have had the pleasure of working with athletes who ranged in age from about 10 to 70's. Initially my focus was college athletes but I found that adults (masters athletes) were amazingly focused and where also ready for any challenge in training that I would present. My athletes have improved and advanced reaching the podium in local, regional and national level events.
In the early 2000's I began to work in the one-on-one format as a personal trainer. Strength training is vital for any movement based endeavor. For well over a decade I have held the industry leading certifications of CPT and CSCS through the NSCA.
I apply the same principles when I train athletes for competition or when I train people who are seeking fitness and weight loss as opposed to formal competition. Regardless of the goal, an approach that is comprehensive, systematic and progressive is essential. Good movement, mastering technique and feeling good are rewarding and motivational. A lifestyle that stresses dedication, consistency and following a process can definitely lead to the same sense of fulfillment as winning any event!
PERSONAL SPORTS HISTORY
Swimming-
I consider myself a late bloomer! I am a former Division I athlete who was a four year letterman in swimming at West Virginia University. Entering college as a walk-on, (lucky to make the team) my dedication allowed me to ascend the rankings. Sophomore and Junior years I received the Most Improved Swimmer award. By my Junior and Senior years I won individual conference titles for WVU while setting school records. It was a great honor to eventually receive a full athletic scholarship.
After completing my four years of college eligibility, I followed my desire to continue competing and headed to Concord, CA to swim with an elite swim team, Concord Pleasant Hill Swim Team run by Olympic Coach Mitch Ivey. While in California competed at USA Swimming Nationals. Noteworthy, while at CPH, I took a first place finish in the 200 Breaststroke at the highly competitive Southern California Championships.
Triathlon-
Triathlon sparked an interest and the day after my last swimming nationals I started multisport training adding running and biking and overnight I began a pursuing an expanded training program.
Taking a long-term approach over the decades, I have implemented a strategic rotation of sports. Shifting my focus for entire seasons with Cycling, Open-Water Swimming with Triathlon helped keep me healthy and injury free.
Highlights-
Highlights and accomplishments over the years include-
FINA Top 5 World Ranking in Masters swimming
Numerous Open-Water Swim events
Completing Ironman USA in Lake Placid, NY (140.6)
Competing in dozens of Olympic and Half-Ironman Triathlons
Experience in 3-Day Stage Races in cycling
Criteriums, Road, Mountain Bike and Cyclocross races
Track Cycling and competed in the 2021 Masters Track Cycling Nationals in Trexlertown, PA
Cyclocross and Track Cycling Events on schedule for Summer/Fall 2022
NOTE-
I list this personal sports history to provide context for you. I firmly believe that my years and lifelong (to this point) involvement in various endurance sports informs my coaching and lets my athletes know that I am in the arena along side of them. My approach is not, "I'm on the top of the podium, so do what I do." My clients are my focus and everybody is different. Programs that are based in sound principles are carefully designed for each individual athlete. In addition, it is exciting to share training, racing and experiences with someone who understands.
