Episode #135: Rick Howard

Rick Howard is an Associate Professor in Applied Sports Science at West Chester University (PA), Sports Performance Coordinator, and Coaching Minor Advisor. Starting at West Chester University in 2014, he is also a visiting professor at Reykhavik University, Iceland and a Fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Previously, Howard served as a teacher at Keilir Health Academy in Iceland from 2015-2023, fitness director at Wilmington Country Club in Philadelphia, PA from 2014-2020 and director of athletics at School District of Philadelphia from 2003-2011.

Over the course of his career, Howard has taught K-8 health and physical education, coached middle school sports, and strength and conditioning for middle school, high school, and college. He is a founding member and past Chair of the NSCA Youth Special Interest Group and Chair of the NSCA State Provincial Director Committee, where he was the Mid-Atlantic Region Coordinator. He has been a lead instructor for CSCS exam prep since 2014 and currently sits on the NSCA strongman, special populations, educators and LTAD, Special Interest Group committees in addition to being a liaison to the high school state and provincial director program. He presents nationally and internationally on youth training, LTAD, and strongman, and has contributed several articles to peer-reviewed journals and blogs on the topics.

Howard is a master’s strongman competitor and has been training and competing in the sport for over ten years. He is an avid lifter and enjoys walking his 2 dogs when he is not training in the weight room or teaching.