THE PIT COACHES

Wayne Noel

My passion for exercise began in early high school when I was training with the goal of improving myself as a baseball player. After tearing my ACL during my senior year I decided to forego a scholarship offer to play collegiate baseball and pursue a career as a strength & conditioning coach. I spent my first two years of college at Illinois State University before transferring and completing my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science (as well as a minor in Strength & Conditioning) from Indiana State University in 2021. I completed two strength & conditioning internships at Washington State University and Creighton University, both Division I athletic programs. My favorite part about being a strength coach is building strong rapport with the people I work with and helping them to improve themselves every single day!

Certifications:

  • USAW Level 1
  • NSPA Certified Speed & Agility Coach
  • Indiana State University Exercise Science Major/Strength & Conditioning Minor
  • USAW Level 1 Certified Coach

Aaron Patterson

Aaron has coached athletes in the PIT for seven years of a career that has spanned nearly a decade. Throughout his career, he has helped athletes improve at the junior high, high school, and collegiate level, with athletes moving on to continue their academic and athletic careers at a variety of schools  from junior college to NCAA Division I. While he has found success helping athletes of all sports, he has recently worked with an increased number of tennis, softball, volleyball, and track and field athletes. Aaron has thrived in private, semi-private, and small group settings with a focus on communication, building relationships, and meeting the specific programming needs of each individual athlete. Aaron is an active member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, National High School Strength Coaches Association, and International Tennis Performance Association. To learn more or to schedule a session with Aaron, contact him at aaron.patterson@ymail.com or visit his Facebook and Instagram pages.


Certifications:

  • Certified Speed and Agility Coach
  • Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach
  • Certified Tennis Performance Specialist
  • Certified Basketball Speed Specialist
  • NSCA-CPT

Ryan Huber

My name is Ryan Huber and I am new to the Pit family as of this year. I was an intern here during my last semester of undergrad, then after the completion of my internship I came on as a part-time strength coach. Adding to my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, I am currently continuing my education at Illinois State University by getting my master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. I believe I offer a different approach to coaching because of the experiences I have had through many surgeries and multiple months of physical therapy. That is why I pride myself in injury prevention and take more of a technical style of coaching toward our Pit members. While offering many tools and techniques to help our members attain their health goals, my approach is to also encourage our members to improve their mobility, stability, and functional movement patterns. I offer a different mindset that adds to a great coaching staff and Pit family.

Savion Haywood

I have been involved in athletics for over 10 years ranging from football and wrestling to horseback riding. My passion for fitness has evolved from athlete to coaching. During my workouts, I love inspiring individuals while also pushing them to be the best version of themselves.

Certifications:

  • 4x IHSA Wrestling State Placer
  • 1x Champion
  • D1 Athlete at Old Dominion University

Molly Mickelson

Molly grew up playing a variety of team and individual sports but has had a personal soft-spot for resistance and strength training over the last decade. She is a current undergraduate student in ISU's Exercise Science program and plans to pursue a Master of Exercise Physiology Degree next. Molly believes that physical activity is incredibly important for improving everyone's quality of life, but that no particular type of fitness is a one-size fits all for everyone. She loves to work with all age groups and skill levels ranging from youth athletes to special populations such as seniors and individuals with special medical restrictions. She is a nationally ranked powerlifter and specializes in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and injury recovery.

Chad Letterle

I am a retired firefighter/Fire Chief with 22 years of service. When I was younger, I was introduced to strength training through sports but did not realize the importance until I learned about the health issues facing firefighters. I became a Certified Personal Trainer to help my firefighters, and this sparked my love for the field. I am currently a Pit Coach and also an assistant football coach at Normal Community High School at the JV and Varsity level. I also coach/compete for The Pit Powerlifting Team which is made up of myself and 3 very successful Special Olympics athletes. I started powerlifting at 46 years old, so it is never too late to start your fitness journey.
Certifications:
  • ISSA Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • House of Speed Certified Speed and Agility Coach
  • ACE Personal Trainer
  • ECSI CPR Instructor

Alex Nigro

The journey of one's health and fitness in a lifelong endeavor. I believe that is the best way to train, is to train for whatever life throws at us. From creating exciting workouts to managing stress, to recovery. All aspects of this journey need to be address and appreciated, no matter what your goals are. I enjoy working will all different populations, from everyday men and women to athletes wanting to take it to the next level. I believe my background of education, experience and passion will help set you up for success on your fitness journey.
Certifications:
  • B.S. Exercise Science form Illinois State University
  • Certified EXOS Performance Specialist: XPS
  • Certified Personal Trainer: NCSF - CPT

Nina Schappert

With over a decade of athletic experience, Nina is a driven fitness lover with a passion for helping people achieve and exceed their goals. She believes everyone deserves to live their most fulfilling life, and health is not a “one size fits all” game. Nina is competitive in powerlifting, and specializes in strength training, bodybuilding, and powerlifting.

Certifications:

  • ISSA certified

Travis Auer

As a former pitcher at Heartland Community College, baseball is my passion. My training as an athlete has led me to pursue a career in the Strength and Conditioning field. At The PIT, I work closely with K's Training Academy to develop baseball athletes through methods that are safe, proven, and effective. I am excited to use this same approach while working at The PIT with athletes of all sports and clients of all ages. As a PIT Coach, my goal is to create a positive atmosphere that will enable individuals to perform to the best of their ability. Exercise is not only used to enhance sports performance but empower individuals to live a healthier lifestyle.
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