NSCA’s North Central Region

North Central Region

Regional Coordinator: Jed Smith, MA, CSCS, USATF-1 
Contact: jed.smith@uni.edu

Jed Smith is the Director of Strength and Conditioning and an Exercise Science Instructor at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where he has been a coach and instructor since 2005. Smith oversees 18 NCAA Division 1 sport teams, as well as the staff that trains them. Prior to joining the staff at UNI, Smith was a strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota Vikings (National Football League team), Minnesota Wild (National Hockey League team), and Minnesota Thunder (United Soccer League team).

Iowa

State Director: Frank Romanazzi, CSCS 
Contact: frankromanazzi@yahoo.com

Frank Romanazzi is an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where he has served since June 2013. Through a partnership with Cedar Valley Medical Specialists (CVMS) he has developed a special role for UNI strength and conditioning by bringing synergy between departments for the well-being of the student athletes. Romanazzi works hand-in-hand with the athletic training staff, physical therapy staff, and team doctors to help integrate programming for rehab post injury and surgery.

Minnesota 

State Director: Chris Rousemiller, MA, CSCS 
Contact: ck-rouse@charter.net

Bio coming soon!

Nebraska

State Director: Andrew Shim, EdD, CSCS,*D 
Contact: swcd12002@yahoo.com

Andrew Shim is the Program Director of the Kinesiology & Exercise Science Program at the College of Saint Mary/Omaha, NE. His research involves stability and prioprioception in all age groups and functional abilities. 

North Dakota

State Director: Michael Silbernagel, MS, CSCS, RSCC*D
Contact: mssilbernagel@umary.edu

Michael Silbernagel is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Adjunct Exercise Science Professor at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND where he has served since January of 2011.  Silbernagel oversees 17 NCAA Division II teams as well as the staff that trains them. Prior to the University of Mary he was an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Colorado State University. Silbernagel graduated from Valley City State (ND) with his undergraduate degree and started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of North Dakota.

South Dakota

State Director: Zach Mathers, MEd, CSCS, RSCC*D 
Contact: zach.mathers@usiouxfalls.edu

Zach Mathers is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD where he has served since June of 2010. Mathers oversees all 16 NCAA Division 2 sports teams as well as the staff that serves them. Prior to coming to USF, Mathers was the Director of Plus One Performance Programs at CNOS in Dakota Dunes, SD, and the strength and conditioning coach at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.  

Manitoba

Provincial Director: Blake Wood, CSCS 
Contact: blakewoodcep@gmail.com  

Blake Wood, a University of Manitoba kinesiology graduate, has been working in the field of strength training and lifestyle counseling since graduating in 2006. He is a passionate business owner and is committed to growing the field of kinesiology. Wood is currently the Chair for the University of Manitoba Faculty of Kinesiology Advisory Board and is the Regional Coordinator for the NSCA in Manitoba. He is the President of Pure Lifestyle where he works alongside highly educated and qualified physiotherapists and strength trainers. Wood is always striving to develop his field of practice. This is very evident from his work at the university level with students and committees, as well as his commitment to his clients.