Eric Ihde serves as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Dickinson State University and is a strength coach for Sanford SPORTS. In 2024, he also served as Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at DSU and Head Strength Coach at New England High School.
During the 2024–25 academic year, Ihde oversaw all strength and conditioning operations for the DSU Competitive Cheer team, which placed 3rd at the NAIA National Competition. He also directed strength programming for the Men’s Basketball team, which captured both the North Star Athletic Association Regular Season and Tournament Championships.
Before joining DSU, Ihde was a graduate assistant at North Dakota State University, working with the Bison football team during their run to the 2023 FCS National Championship game. He earned his Master’s in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science from NDSU in spring 2024.
Ihde also gained experience through summer internships at the University of Wisconsin, Tarleton State University, and Tulane University.
A native of Garnavillo, Iowa, Ihde holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Studies from Upper Iowa University, where he also minored in Biology. He was a four-year member of the Peacock football team and a two-year strength and conditioning intern. Ihde earned NSIC All-Academic honors during his playing career.
He holds certifications from the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F), along with USAW Level 2, CPR, AED, and First Aid credentials.
