(Ann Arbor, Mich.) The Concordia University Ann Arbor Athletic Department has named Lucas Koehler the Strength and Conditioning Coach for CUAA's athletic programs. The 2017 CUAA graduate served as an assistant in this role during the 2018-19 academic year and will now transition into a full-time position. Athletic Director Lonnie Pries announced Koehler's appointment began July 1.

"Luke was a member of our football program during his time here at Concordia and as his former coach I witnessed firsthand his dedication and attention to detail," said Pries.  "We are blessed to have Luke as our strength coach and have him take on the responsibility of helping our student-athletes perform to their greatest abilities.  In Luke, our athletes will experience someone who will focus his energy on their development and growth as both an athlete and a person."

Koehler has been a familiar face to the Cardinals serving as a Strength and Conditioning Coach Assistant last year. Koehler developed and implemented training programs for a variety of teams. Koehler also worked with the athletes and coaches to enforce proper training techniques. Additionally, Koehler was also the Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer at The Health and Fitness Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. While in this position, Koehler created personalized training programs for a variety of clients based on their goals and medical conditions.

Koehler fulfilled his graduation requirements at Concordia by completing an internship as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Eastern Michigan University. Koehler assisted in the oversight and conduction of exercise sessions and oversaw daily maintenance of facilities and equipment. Koehler worked primarily with EMU athletes participating in football, soccer, volleyball and basketball.  

Koehler received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Concordia in 2017. During this time as a Cardinal, Koehler was recognized as a member of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) all-academic team for three years as he maintained a 3.25 cumulative GPA. He also was a family leader during his senior year that recorded at the time a program best 7-4 record.

Koehler has recently completed his certification requirements as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (NSCA-CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT). Koehler is currently pursuing additional certification with USA Weightlifting and Functional Movements Screening.

"I am so thankful to be back in a place that is so passionate about developing student athletes as a whole," said Koehler. "Concordia has had a major impact on me when I was an student-athlete and am excited to use this opportunity to keep the trend going and impact the next group of Cardinals."