Eric Ihde officially began his role at the Head Athletic Performance Coach and Assistant Director of the Legends Center at Luther in Aug. of 2026.
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.
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.
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.
