(LEBANON, Ill. – Oct.26) – McKendree University Interim Athletic Director Anthony Francis announced Monday that Zach Anderson will serve as the Bearcats' new Director of Strength and Conditioning. Anderson comes to McKendree from Whittier College where he served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning.

"I would first like to thank Anthony Francis for offering me the opportunity to be the Director of Athletic Performance at McKendree University," said Coach Z. "McKendree University has had a strong and rich athletic tradition and I would like to help continue to build onto that. I know that things in the world are uncertain and different with COVID, but one thing that is certain, athletic development is my passion and I am excited and can't wait to begin working with some of the best athletes and coaches in the country."

"Coach Z will certainly be a tremendous addition to our department," said Francis. "He brings with him a wealth of experience, having successfully competed and coached at the professional and collegiate level. What I like most about Coach Z is that he had a true commitment to developing leaders on and off the field. We are excited for his arrival and believe he will immediately build on the success we've had and take our strength and conditioning program to another level."

During Anderson's time at Whittier, he oversaw the 22 sports programs and implemented a 52-week training program for their over 400 student-athletes, including a freshman-only program that introduced the different phases of main movement of Olympic Lift and Power Lift. Anderson helped reduce injuries from the year prior to his arrival at Whittier, by bringing different training programs that focused on posterior strength, power, and mobility/ flexibility/rehab for specific sports.

Prior to his time at Whittier, Anderson build an incredible resume from programs across the country. Anderson served as the Director of Sports Performance & Nutrition for RedLine Athletics (June 2018-19); was the Head Strength & Conditioning and Head Sports Nutrition Coach at Upper Iowa University (September 2017-June 2019); served as the Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for Wofford College (May-September 2017); implemented the department and was the first Director of Strength & Conditioning for Warner University (August. 2016 – May 2017); worked as the Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Newberry College (February – August 2016); and was the Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Gardner-Webb University (January 2015 – February 2016).

"I will do everything in my power to help each athlete achieve their goals as they put forth for themselves and their team," said Coach Z. "I will attack all avenues of Athletic Performance to make sure that I am strengthening the physical abilities, mental fortitude, and to prevent/ reduce injuries of every athlete on every team roster."

In 2020, Anderson earned his certifications in CSCS, NASM CES – Corrective Exercise Specialist, USAW Lv1, FMS Lv1, Vertimax Trainer, and American Red Cross Association CPR/AED.

Anderson earned his B.A in Nutrition, Health & Human Sciences and B.A in Corporate Communications from Northern Illinois University in 2013, and his M.S. in Coaching Education and Leadership from Ohio University in 2017.