GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Joe Novotasky has been named Furman's new assistant strength training & conditioning coach, it was announced today by director Andre Bernardi.

Novotasky comes to Furman from nearby North Greenville University, where he served as the Crusaders' director of strength training and conditioning since August of 2018.

"We are excited to have Joe join our staff," said Bernardi in announcing Novotasky's addition.  "He will bring great energy and knowledge to better the strength and conditioning department at Furman, and will continue to help the Paladins reach new heights."

At North Greenville, Novotasky was responsible for the overall operation of the strength and conditioning program for the school's 19 NCAA Division II sports.

He assumed director duties after serving as an assistant coach in NGU's strength training program for seventh months, working primarily with the football, baseball, and men's lacrosse programs.

Novotasky served as director of strength training and as football defensive line coach at Riverside High School from 2013-15 after working one year as a performance coach at Greenville's D1 Sports.

A three-year football starter at NGU, he served as a team captain in 2009, his senior year, and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor of science degree in sport management and minor in business administration.

He remained in Tigerville for the following two years, serving as a graduate assistant football coach and playing a part in the Crusaders' Victory Bowl title and program's 11-3 campaign and NCAA Division II quarterfinal playoff appearance in 2011.

Novotasky is a Certified Strength Training and Conditioning Specialist and USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach.  He is also a graduate of the American Safety Training Institute and holds CPR Pro (AED) certification.