Mr. Shultes, a long-time 3rd grade teacher, in the lower school has been described by some of his former students as “fun, caring, and always supportive.” Despite his many years in teaching he has always had a special passion for nutrition, as well as strength and conditioning.

He can now be found in the field house where he will work tirelessly to come up with workout plans and tips for the athletes.

“He was always energetic as a teacher” said Sophomore Henry Howell. “He would do push-ups during spelling tests, and would play football with us at recess.” Little did his students know at the time that their teacher was a fitness connoisseur. Mr. Shultes is a fitness genius, with extensive knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and how to get an athlete strong and fast.

Starting this year Saint Stephens decided to add a strength and conditioning coach to help guide the student-athletes. “This year is setting the foundation for the strength program,” said Shultes. “It has been a neglected part of our athletics for many years and it is good that we are working to change that.” Athletes playing a fall sport said that it has helped the teams’ confidence knowing that we have improved speed and strength.

Although he may seem like he has been in the lower school forever, Coach Shultes has been in the strength and conditioning business for over 25 years. He has also coached at the collegiate level at Eckerd College and now will be bringing his wisdom to our school. Shultes also played many sports in his high school years such as track, soccer, but his true passion was basketball. He ended up playing collegiate basketball for Cortland State.

Coach Shultes said, “My father was the one who inspired me the most. I have been blessed with many great coaches along the way, as well as my mother to help me with school and always supporting me, but it was my father was the one who instilled the love of hard work, and athletics.” Mr. Shultes really enjoys the environment of working with our athletes. “My best experience has been reconnecting with the athletes. Some of my third grade students that are now freshman, sophomores, and juniors are working with the strength class and it has been nice to connect with them on a different level.”

But that wasn’t the only reason he wanted to work in the athletic program here.  “I used to coach basketball and I really missed coaching, the fun of working and the daily grind, and it is a lot of fun to be back into it.”

Aside from coaching athletics, and training himself, Shultes has passion for fishing. “My wife and I take our boat out and unwind on the water while fishing.” he said.

Although it was very hard for him to leave the classroom, Mr. Shultes couldn’t be both a fantastic teacher, and full-time coach at the same time. He had to leave the lower school where he spent many years teaching and giving great experiences for the kids. “I was at a point in my career where I realized my true passion was in training, the whole strength and conditioning component. I thought I could make a bigger impact on the students here by focusing more towards the athletic program.”

Coach Shultes understands the importance of fitness in the scheme of health. “The obesity epidemic is destroying the nation, nearly 1/3 of the population is obese and that can be changed with better dietary habits and more exercise.” said Shultes. “It is scary to say, but this generation will most likely be the first to not outlive their parents. This can be changed though with better diets, and consistent exercise.”

AD Lenny Paoletti understood the importance of beginning a strength program. “It has been something we were lacking for a long time. I think this is something that can take our school to the next level.” said Paoletti.  “Coach Shultes clearly knows what he is talking about, he has a degree in it, and it’s his passion; when you let somebody do their passion as a job they will excel,” said Mr. Paoletti.

“The strength and conditioning has already shown on the field. If you look at the transformation from this year to last year as far as their strength and stamina is concerned, it has been an unbelievable improvement.” said Paoletti. He added, “While the teams of 40 some players are playing against our squads they are gasping for air by the fourth quarter, whereas our teams are still playing like it’s the first quarter.”

With the addition of a strength and conditioning program there is no telling the impact it can have on the students. Even after the first couple of games, the sports teams have demonstrated that they are both stronger and faster then their opponents.

“Having this new addition will help the guys on the soccer team become faster and stronger; I can’t wait for the season to start and hopefully win a state championship,” said sophomore Ben Whorf.