Russell Patterson, the American Football Monthly 2005 NCAA Division I-AA National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year, begins his fourth year as the director of strength, speed, and conditioning for the Middle Tennessee football program.

Patterson, who spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons at Appalachian State, played a key role in the Mountaineers' run to the 2005 national championship. In addition to his efforts with the ASU football squad, Patterson worked directly with the men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams while overseeing the strength and conditioning program for all 20 of ASU's varsity sports.

A native of Easley, S.C., Patterson developed a five-year plan for an improved training facility at ASU, increased his staff from two to six through a graduate assistant program, and counseled student-athletes on the importance of nutrition.

Before his stint at ASU, Patterson spent four years as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Clemson, where he had the opportunity to work with Rick Stockstill. At Clemson, Patterson served as the top assistant in the Tigers' football strength, speed, and conditioning program and director of performance nutrition. Before being promoted to a full-time capacity, he spent three years as a graduate assistant in the strength and conditioning department at CU.

During his time at Clemson, Patterson was an integral part of seven bowl teams while working closely with head coach Tommy Bowden on a daily basis. Patterson was responsible for the speed, strength, and conditioning of the Tiger linebackers, defensive linemen, and safeties while coordinating scout days and organizing the winter conditioning program.

A two-year letterwinner in football at Presbyterian College, Patterson earned a bachelor's degree from the school in 1992. Upon graduation, he spent five years as an assistant football coach and strength coach at North Augusta (S.C.) High School before joining the Clemson staff. Patterson is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, and the International Sports Sciences Association. He is also certified by USA Weightlifting as a sports performance coach specializing in Olympic lifts.

Patterson, a past speaker in the strength and training field, has delivered talks with titles such as "Strength Training for Speed," "Proper Warm-up Techniques," "Force Training and the Westside Principles," and "Techniques at Improving Change of Direction."

Patterson is married to the former Laura Sharp of Greensboro, N.C.