ALBANY - The Russell Sage College Department of Athletics announced that Joe Schildwachter (Fallston, MD/Concordia Preparatory School), part of the athletic training staff since 2022, has added strength and conditioning to his responsibilities within the department.

Schildwachter, who completed his strength and conditioning certifications in October 2025, will help the 22 RSC athletic programs in regards to athletic performance.

 "I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to dive into the strength and conditioning role at Russell Sage College," remarked Schildwachter. "Being an Athletic Trainer here the last three years, I believe having a strength and conditioning coach would help tap into the full potential of our student-athletes. Having a more holistic care approach with Athletic Training and Strength and Conditioning, I believe we can help athletes feel and perform their best on and off the field."

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe as our first Strength and Conditioning Coach," added Head Athletic Trainer Alex Gilbert. "His extensive knowledge and passion for athlete development, combined with his background in Athletic Training and his CSCS certification, will greatly enhance the performance and well-being of our student-athletes at Russell Sage."

A 2020 graduate of SUNY Brockport, Schildwachter arrived at Sage in August 2022 after also earning his Doctor of Athletic Training degree from the University of Florida that past May. 

As an undergraduate student, he worked in the athletic training room for three years as an undergraduate student, working with the Golden Eagles' 23 varsity teams and held a leadership role as a senior working with the football program.

As a graduate student at the University of Florida, Schildwachter gained valuable experience with manual therapy and has advanced clinical skills in suturing, casting, functional movement screening, diagnostic imaging, as well as active release techniques, and cupping.  While attending Florida, he worked two years as the sole head athletic trainer at two different Florida high schools.