KEARNEY, NE — Nebraska Kearney is choosing a longtime Loper to take over its strength and conditioning program.

UNK announced Thursday that Shane Stock will start as the athletic department’s new head strength and conditioning coach on January 3. He replaces Steve “Sarge” Schulz, who is retiring after six years in Kearney and 45 years in the industry.

Stock played baseball for the Lopers, graduating in 2017 with a degree in exercise science and a minor in nutrition. He joined the strength and conditioning staff in 2016  and has worked as an assistant ever since.

"I'm thrilled that Shane has been promoted to our Head Strength and Conditioning coach position. He places a high value on our student-athletes and will continue to use high-tech training strategies to elevate their overall performance," UNK Associate Athletic Director Bill Murphy said.

In his assistant role, Stock oversaw the development of the men's and women's track and field teams, softball, women's soccer, and women's golf while assisting with football. 

The Omaha native earned a Master’s degree in physical education in 2020. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association with the distinction of registered strength and conditioning coach.

Stock will determine new team assignments once his staff is completed.