“I am extremely excited to return to the place that has helped me tremendously on my life’s journey and to be a part of Monsignor Farrell’s exciting future,” said Schmidt, who played football at Farrell and was a member of Teaching the Christian Message, a program in the Department of Religious Education that sends upperclassmen to local grammar schools to teach CCD.
After graduating from Farrell, Schmidt played football at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., for two seasons, and earned his bachelor’s degree in sports science from Long Island University, Brooklyn.
He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist.
He has been mentored by some of the most highly respected professionals in the field of strength and conditioning, having worked at prestigious colleges and universities such as Ball State University (Indiana), the University of Alabama, the University of South Carolina, and Defiance College (Ohio). Most recently, he served as Head of High School Strength and Conditioning for the New York Sports Science Lab on Staten Island. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in coaching from Ball State.
“We are more than excited to have another one of our Faithful Men return home to become a part of the Monsignor Farrell faculty and staff,” said Farrell president Lou Tobacco. “Robert’s expertise in the field of strength and conditioning and sports science will be invaluable to our athletics program and his involvement in our physical education department will benefit all of our students, not just those who participate in team sports.”
Schmidt’s hire at Farrell coincides with the current construction of the school’s new strength and conditioning wellness center, which is being erected in the footprint of the existing weight room and adjacent film/training room, creating one large, open space.
“The facility will possess top-of-the-line equipment, specifically designed for a high school strength and conditioning program,” explained Schmidt. The equipment will include Powerlift stations, a cardio area, as well as a 20-yard track surface. “Our new strength and conditioning wellness center will be a place where we will be able to functionally and efficiently train all of our student-athletes in a safe team environment. It will elevate our student-wide physical education program by providing students the proper equipment and instruction for general fitness and resistance training.”
His input has already been instrumental during the design phase of the new center.
“I’m excited to work with Robert and equally excited for our student body as a whole,” said Farrell AD Tony Garofalo. “We’ve watched his career grow the last few years and to have him back at Monsignor Farrell is just outstanding. You can’t find a more committed or passionate person for both fitness and sports performance.”
In addition to his new role, he will also support Farrell’s physical education program and overall student wellness for the entire student body.
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