MSCC Class of 2001

Rob Oviatt

Washington State University

Rob Oviatt was born and raised in Wooster, Ohio. He received his Bachelors degree in Physical Education from the University of Alabama, while at the same time serving as a volunteer assistant in the weight room during the tenure of the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. Following graduation, Rob enrolled at the University of Mississippi where he received a Master's degree in Education. While at Ole Miss, he also volunteered as a strength coach in Athletics, and, taught Weight Training classes in the Department of Physical Education.

He is currently the Head Strength Coach for Football at the University of Montana. Previously, for 8 years, Rob was the Head Football Strength & Conditioning Coach at Washington State University, while holding the title of Assistant AD for Physical Development. Prior to that, he also served as the Head Strength Coach at LSU, Kentucky, and Oregon State. In 1988, he, and a group of fellow strength coaches, traveled to the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia in order to study strength training abroad. His collegiate career has spanned 28 years.

Rob was an original founding Board member of the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association. In addition, he served as the organization's President for 4 years, and Vice President for 1. Rob was voted SEC Strength Coach of the year in both 1997 & 1998. In 2001, Rob was honored by the CSCCa with the award of Master Strength Coach. This is the organizations highest award.

In 2003, Rob was inducted into the USA Strength & Conditioning Hall of Fame. That year he was also recipient of the Admiral Ullyses Grant Sharp award at the Holiday Bowl football game luncheon. This award was secretly voted on by members of the Washington State football team. In addition, he traveled to Omiya, Japan in January of 2009 to conduct a series of speed and agility clinics for Japanese coaches.

Rob is happily married to wife Kathleen, who is a certified Bikram Yoga instructor. They originally met while students at Ole Miss. In addition, Rob is the proud father of 4 children, Lindsay, Allison, April, and William.