Loras College Athletics

The collegiate athletic season at Loras College lasts, on average, four months, but for the dedicated Duhawk athletes, the strength and conditioning program continues year-round. To be a contender in the highly competitive American Rivers Conference, the Duhawks voluntarily train during the off-season with a comprehensive strength and conditioning program designed to help improve athletic performance and reduce injury. Each athlete is closely monitored by Director of Strength & Conditioning, Josh Edwards. Edwards designs personalized workouts for each student-athlete based on the physical demands of the position they play.

A native of Pella, Iowa, Edwards attended Central College and received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health promotion in 2003. While at Central, he was a four-year member of the football team, earning the Kuyper Award during the 2002 season for his outstanding contributions to the team. He also served three years as an intern in the strength and conditioning department. After graduation, he worked one year as the assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Edwards attended Winona State University in Winona, Minn. and completed his master’s degree in educational leadership. While at Winona State, he worked as the graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach for two years. After finishing his schooling, Edwards stayed at Winona State, changing roles to director of football strength & conditioning and defensive line coach.

Edwards was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was in charge of the men’s and women’s golf and tennis programs, and assisted with the football program.

Edwards has been a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 2001 and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is certified in basic first aid, CPR, and is an ARC Professional Rescuer.

Presently, Edwards is in his 13th year as director of strength and conditioning for the Duhawks.

Josh resides in Peosta with his wife, Tristen, and their sons, Jackson and Colton.