MAG 2-06.indd - Wayne State College

Alumni Mini-FeatureMendoza '89 Enjoys Positionas Notre Dame Strength andConditioning CoordinatorRuben Mendoza '89 is using his talents as an athlete and anartist in his position at the University of Notre Dame. Named theFighting Irish’s strength and conditioning coordinator in January2005, Mendoza not only oversees that program, he also painted aNotre Dame logo for the weight room shortly after beginning hisnew job."I’ve always had a passion to draw," Mendoza said. "Being thestrength coach, you don’t always connect the two." He received abachelor of science degree in commercial art at Wayne State, wherehe played football for two years under the late coach Pete Chapman.In 1985, Mendoza was a Kodak All-American offensive lineman,NAIA All-American, CSIC all-conference first team and teamcaptain. He spent three seasons in the National Football League,playing as an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers (1986),Miami Dolphins (1987) and Phoenix Cardinals (1988).Following his NFL days, Mendoza served as graduate assistantstrength and conditioning coach at the University of South Carolinafrom 1990-1992, where he also took graduate courses in education.He was defensive line coach/assistant strength and conditioningcoach at Presbyterian College in 1992 and was head strength andconditioning coordinator at the University of Tennessee-Chattanoogafrom 1993-1997. He was the assistant director of strength, speedand conditioning at Clemson University from 1997-2001, when hewas named coordinator of strength and conditioning at the Universityof Mississippi. He was there for four years before acceptinghis current position at the University of Notre Dame.Mendoza and his wife Kristen (Prososki) '88, are parentsof four children: Nicholas (23), Emmanuel (11), Grace (9) andGabriel (2). Kristen, who received her bachelor of science degreein business administration/office management at WSC, is enjoyingher time now as a stay-at-home mother. Prior to their move toSouth Bend, she put her WSC degree to work in a variety of areas.She processed insurance claims, worked in bank auditing, mortgagelending, computer network administration, medical graduateeducation, environmental lab assisting (the paperwork to keep theMendoza and his wife Kristen with three of their fourchildren, from left: Emmanuel (11), Grace (9) andGabriel (2). Not pictured is son, Nicholas (23). On themantel behind them is a watercolor Ruben painted ofGrace when she was 15 months old.lab running from purchasing to payroll), and for seven years was afinancial aid administrator at both Clemson and Ole Miss.Ruben has fond memories of his days at Wayne State."Wayne State was important as it assisted in laying a solid foundationin life as a person," he said. "Academics were unique becausethe professors were caring and compassionate; you definitely werea person at WSC, not a number. Athletics developed discipline andcharacter in me as a person, player and coach. I have memoriesthat will last forever in friendships that were developed not only atWSC, but also in the community of Wayne, Nebraska."Ruben and Kristen have been generous donors to the PeteChapman Memorial Scholarship at Wayne State College. "Pete didmany great things for Wayne State," Ruben said. "His scholarshipwill symbolize his contributions and dedication to assist athletes inreaching their full potential."Plaza Bricks Available!There is still time to have a personalized brick placed in the Bebee Plaza atthe entrance to Memorial Stadium. The engraved bricks show a legacyof your support for WSC or are a great way to honor family members.Cost: $500 per brickFor more information, please contact:Eric Schoh, Director of AthleticsWayne State College • 1111 Main Street • Wayne, NE 68787Phone: 402-375-7520 • erschoh1@wsc.eduWayne State Magazine 19