The Lawrence University athletic department is losing their athletic performance coach at the end of this school year. Tyler Ayers, known more commonly as Coach Ayers, has decided to move back to his hometown in sunny Florida—can’t blame him, beaches beat cold winters here any day. Looking back on his time here, Coach Ayers stated, “My time here at Lawrence has been one I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. The athletes, coaches and administration have had a lasting impact on me during my short stint here as the Athletic Performance Coach. I stepped into a newly created role here, being the first full-time Athletic Performance (Strength and Conditioning) Coach here at LU. Most of everything that I did was new to the athletes and the sport coaches, going away from open-all athlete sessions to “team oriented” workouts, where players would train with their teammates and be pushed to work through things as a group. This was in an effort to build team chemistry, trust and camaraderie amongst the team. I believe my time here at LU was successful. Did I accomplish everything I wanted to? No, but I’m confident that the next person hired will take the solid foundation that’s been laid & will be able to take it to the next level. I told athletes and coaches when I first arrived, if I could impact some of the student athletes’ lives in a positive manner and reduce some of the major athletic injuries, that my time here would be considered a success and I think we’ve done that.”
Coach Ayers wished to finish his interview with one final statement to the Lawrence University staff and students involved in the athletic program, saying, “I want to wish the best to all Viking student athletes in the upcoming 2017-18 year. Continue to build on what’s been laid and never settle for anything less than greatness. I’m looking forward to following Viking Athletic successes from afar next year and the years to come. Go Vikes!”
