Dec 15, 2015Virginia Tech’s Mike Gentry To Retire After Bowl Game
Dr. Mike Gentry, the architect of Virginia Tech’s strength and conditioning program, will retire from his role as the school’s associate athletic director for athletic performance after the Independence Bowl on Dec. 26.
In an article in The Daily Press, Gentry, thanked many people from the university:
“‘Hokie nation’ has always been so supportive,” he said. “A sincere thank you to all. I look forward to the bowl game, and I know that the future of Virginia Tech athletics is bright.”
According to Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock, the Hokies will honor Gentry by contributing $25,000 in his name to endow a scholarship. Inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Fame in 2010, Gentry is one of 36 coaches to be named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach, the highest honor given by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches, which he earned in 2003.
Head Football Coach Frank Beamer, who will also be retiring after the game, said Gentry’s strength and conditioning program was essential to the school’s success, and he helped student-athletes become better players and people.
“He sure inspired me, and I know how much he inspired our team,” Beamer said. “I couldn’t have asked for anyone better in Mike’s capacity.”
Gentry offered his ideas on designing a new strength facility in the pages of T&C in 2012, after Virginia Tech opened its Olympic Sports Performance Center earlier that year. The article can be found here.
