Jack McCormick joined the Rangers over the summer as the new strength and conditioning coordinator. Previously, he worked at Stevenson University for two years and at Susquehanna University for a year and a half. He discovered Drew through his other work in the Landmark Conference and was intrigued by the competitive athletics, an opportunity to build the program and the chance to work with new student athletes.
McCormick is filling the position left by former strength and conditioning coordinator Blaine Johnson, who now works as the assistant athletic director for sports performance at Rider University.
Becoming an athletic coordinator was not always a long-term goal for McCormick; in fact, he revealed that he only became aware of the position as a career option during college while studying physical therapy. During this time, he realized his passion for working in athletics and his desire to use the information that he had already been studying in the field to help athletes. McCormick is currently continuing his studies and working on receiving his doctorate from Concordia University.
Coming into Drew, McCormick had some personal goals in mind regarding improvements to the athletics department. Student athletes have already seen some changes with the app TeamBuildr being implemented into the weight room. This app allows both the athletes and McCormick to keep track of each individual’s personal lifting improvements while also acting as a checklist of exercises during scheduled lifts.
The Drew athletes have immediately taken a liking to McCormick, enjoying his sense of humor which keeps a fun atmosphere in the weight room during team lifts. One of these students is Izzy Fortunato (’28), a member of the cross country and women’s lacrosse teams.
“Coach Jack brings such a positive energy to the weight room and his lifts are very detail-oriented,” said Fortunato. “I am pushed to get better every day.”
According to McCormick, the most rewarding part of his job has always been the impact that he sees himself having on the student-athletes. He emphasized this by referring to a handmade card that he has framed in his office from one of his former athletes, thanking him for his coaching expertise.
“I have enjoyed getting to meet all my new teams and coaches,” said McCormick, “and just starting to see the impact I have on the athletes, whether that is getting stronger, getting healthier or just seeing success on the field.”
If there is a coach or member of the athletic department you would like to highlight, please email us at theacorn@drew.edu.
Delaney Smith is a first-year student double majoring in English literature and English creative writing with a minor in history and Law, Justice & Society.
