DECORAH, Iowa - Luther College Director of Athletics Megan Wilson announced the appointment of Eric Ihde as the new Head Athletic Performance Coach and Assistant Director of the Legends Center. Ihde officially began his role at Luther on Monday, Aug. 17.

Ihde comes to Luther from Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota, where he most recently served as Director of Strength and Conditioning. In that role, he oversaw strength and conditioning and nutrition for Blue Hawk Athletics while directly programming for a wide range of sports, including football, volleyball, wrestling, men and women's basketball, track and field, cheer and rodeo. 

"Eric brings a great combination of experience, knowledge and energy to our athletic performance program," Wilson said. "Athletic performance is an important part of the overall student-athlete experience, and we want to help our student-athletes compete at a high level while also prioritizing their health and development. Eric will work collaboratively with our coaching and athletic training staffs to help us continue to strengthen that area."

Prior to Dickinson State, Ihde spent two years as a graduate assistant with the North Dakota State University football strength and conditioning program, including serving as lead assistant during the 2023 season. He has also gained experience with strength and conditioning programs at the University of Wisconsin, Tarleton State University, Tulane University and Upper Iowa University.

"Eric has intentionally sought opportunities to learn and develop within some highly successful programs," Wilson added. "His experience as a former collegiate football student-athlete also gives him an understanding of the demands placed on our student-athletes and the important role athletic performance can play in their overall experience."

A native of Garnavillo, Iowa, Ihde was a four-year member of the football program at Upper Iowa University. He earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Studies with an emphasis in Fitness and Wellness, along with a minor in Biology from Upper Iowa and a Master of Science in Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science from North Dakota State.

Ihde holds certifications as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) and USA Weightlifting Level 2 coach.