Saginaw, MI – Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill announced Monday (July 11) the organization has hired Austin Sadler, CSCS as the Team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, replacing Zach Mendoza, who has accepted a similar position at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX.
“We are happy to add Austin Sadler to our organization as Strength and Conditioning Coach,” said Drinkill. “I would like to thank Zach Mendoza for his contribution to our franchise and wish him the best in his new position. This role is integral to the development of our players, on and off of the ice. Austin comes highly recommended to us and we can’t wait to get him started.”
Sadler, 25, comes to the Spirit by way of the Flint Firebirds, where he spent the 2021-22 season as their Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.
“I am extremely proud and excited to join the Saginaw Spirit organization,” said Sadler. “I would like to thank Mr. Garber and the entire ownership group, Dave Drinkill, and Chris Lazary for this opportunity. I’d also like to thank my friends and family for supporting me throughout my career. As I embark on this new journey with Saginaw, many thanks to Ted Dent and the Flint Firebirds organization for a great year. I look forward to players reporting in the fall and can’t wait to get started.”
Sadler, a native of Olivet, MI, is a graduate of Olivet College where he played Division III Football and earned his degree in Exercise Science. Following his own playing career, Sadler began his training career with Michigan State University, working with their Division I Football and Men’s Ice Hockey Team. He then moved on to Ohio State University where he worked with the Football team and Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Team’s. Sadler spent the 2021-22 season working with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.
Sadler resides in Saginaw with his fiancé, Emma.
