Williams returns to ASU to run strength, conditioning program

ALBANY — With the new football season underway, the Albany State Rams are getting adjusted to a few new personnel on staff.

With the departure of offensive coordinator Newland Issac and defensive coordinator Cory Peoples, among others, the Rams saw a few shifts within the staff.

Last week, Albany State added one of its former athletes to its coaching staff, as Troy Williams was appointed head strength and conditioning coach.

Williams was a member of the Golden Rams’ squad that won four consecutive SIAC championships from 2003 to 2006. Williams’ freshman season ended with the Rams being crowned the 2003 Pioneer Bowl champions. They went on to make three straight appearances in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.

The Fitzgerald native said he’s read to get to work and help his alma mater get back to the level it was during his playing days.

I am very excited to be back at Albany State University,” said in a news release issued by the school. “I can’t wait to start working with the student-athletes, coaches and administration.”

Head coach Gabe Giardina said he is equally excited to have somebody with Williams’ resume on staff.

“I think Troy, obviously his resume speaks for itself,” Giardina said. “The guy’s been a strength and conditioning coach at Power 5 schools, Arizona, Minnesota, was a part of the staff at Eastern Illinois that had Jimmy Garoppolo and made a run in the FCS playoffs. He’s been with Dino Babers. But more than that, he’s walked this campus. He got four rings in the early 2000s as an Albany State Golden Ram. So he’s got some perspective on what it takes.

Giardina added that he’s just as excited about the knowledge Williams brings as he is Williams’ energy.

“He has perspective on where his program’s been and where we need to take it,” Giardina said. “I’m excited. He brings a great energy and is really going to shake those guys up in the weight room.”

Prior to being hired by ASU, Williams spent a little more than a year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Arizona. While with the Wildcats, he assisted with football while designing and implementing strength training for jumpers/multi-sport athlete for track and field.

Before Arizona, he spent one season as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for football at Minnesota. This was after he spent two years as the strength and conditioning coordinator at Missouri S&T.

Williams also served as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at Eastern Illinois, working primarily with men’s basketball, women’s rugby and women’s soccer. He also spent three seasons as the linebackers and strength and conditioning coach at Truman State and was a graduate assistant at those same positions at Central Missouri.

Althetics director Sherie Gordon said being able to bring back alumni is always a treat for the school.

“We are excited to welcome Troy to the staff here at Albany State,” she said. “His career experiences are vast, and as a former student-athlete and alumnus of ASU he brings a unique perspective and passion to the athletic programs.”

With their first fall practice in the books, the Rams have their sights set on their Sept. 1 season opener against Valdosta State.