Strength and Conditioning
Mission: Strength/Grace/Power - Vi/Gratia/Potentia
At Central Catholic High School, Strength & Conditioning is about more than building muscle and power. We aim to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle for all students, faculty, and staff. For those with strength and performance goals, we take an evidence-based and holistic approach to training, helping each individual achieve their highest potential.
Strength: We have Strength in character, commitment, and consistency.
Grace: We seek continuous improvement while practicing Grace in times of adversity.
Power: We recognize the Power in ourselves to create a positive training environment where results happen daily.
Everyone can benefit from Strength & Conditioning at Central Catholic, and students do not have to participate on one of our athletic teams to receive individualized training. Weightlifting classes are available during the school day and are open to all students, while after school training is available to student-athletes participating in one or more of our year-round sports programs. As we train, we work to build confidence and resilience—and foster camaraderie within our sports teams and broader student community.
For student athletes, strength and conditioning programs at Central Catholic are designed to help each individual become the strongest and most powerful version of themselves, while also safeguarding against strain and injury.
Sports specific programs combine olympic lifts, strength exercises, plyometrics, speed and agility development, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Workouts are specifically tailored to each student's age, ability, and experience, according to the sport they participate in or desired outcome they seek to achieve.
To help maximize athletic performance, multi-sport athletes are able to work continuously with the strength coach as they move from team to team throughout the school year.
Sanders Family Weight Room Schedule
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About our Facility:
The Sanders Family Weight Room Center is a 2,100 square foot, state-of-the-art Athletic Performance Center. Equipment includes 16 power pro series combo power racks, 16 lever action benches, four power lift combo pulley units, and four power lift rotating glute-ham benches. We have custom made kettlebells by Black Iron Strength with Iron Grip dumbbells for a superior balanced lifting experience. Additionally, the weight room features Perform Better series bumper plates and custom fitted rubber flooring which makes for an optimal, shock absorbing training environment.
Contact Us:
Christi Smith-Ryan
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Phone: 503.230.1056, ext. 1270 | E-mail
About Coach Christi
As the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Central Catholic, I’m dedicated to helping the student athletes on our 14 varsity and six club teams safely reach their maximum power and ability so they can perform at their absolute best. And as a PE and Wellness teacher, I’m equally committed to supporting the health and fitness of every Central Catholic student, as well as members of our staff, alumni community, and parents, too! If you haven’t been down to the gym to get in a workout or take a class in our million-dollar facility, I encourage you to swing by and chat with me about your goals. I always have an ear for you.
For students who are looking to compete at the highest level, I have a deep understanding of your passion and drive. At the University of Akron in Ohio, I broke records in every track & field event in which I competed, winning 11 Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles and earning All-MAC honors 7 times. I was Akron's first multiple All-American, receiving that honor 4 times. In 2000, I became Akron's first NCAA Division I Champion as an Heptathlete and their first athlete to qualify for the US Olympic Trials. In 2012, I was voted Greatest Female Athlete of All Time by the university, and I am currently a 7-time track and field hall of fame inductee.
Outside of Central Catholic, I’m honored to serve the larger Strength & Conditioning community as the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s High School Liaison for the State of Oregon, as a member of the Advisory Committee for the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), and presenter at 2024 NATCON. Being named the NHSSCA’s 2023 Oregon State High School Strength Coach of the Year has been one of my proudest achievements.
To everyone at Central Catholic, including the inspiring coaches and administrators who I’m grateful to work alongside, I’m looking forward to an amazing year in 2024-2025. Let’s go Rams!
Education:
BS in Physical Education, Minor in Professional Selling, University of Akron
Experience:
Central Catholic Strength & Conditioning Coach / PE & Wellness Teacher (2021-present); Central Catholic HS track and field coach (2015-2021); Vive Fitness strength and conditioning specialist (2015-present); NW Women's Fitness Club strength and conditioning specialist (2013-2015); University of Oregon strength and conditioning internship (2012-2013); Eugene South HS assistant track and field coach (2012-2014); University of Iowa assistant track and field coach (2008-2011); Kent State University assistant track and field coach (2006-2008); Ohio University assistant track and field coach (2004-2006); New World Track Club assistant track and field coach (2003-2006); University of Akron student volunteer coach from 2002
