Durant seeks new opportunities

by Jamie Mahoney
Staff Writer

After spending two years as the University of La Verne strength and conditioning coach, Matt Durant has decided to move on in his career.

Durant has accepted a position as strength and conditioning coach at College of the Canyons, a junior college in Santa Clarita.

“It was a tremendous opportunity for my career,” he said. “I will be working with a guy who is very well recognized in his career and he is a close personal friend.”

Before Durant started working with the athletes, coaches did their own training and conditioning.

There are plans to bring in a new strength and conditioning coach who will be hired this summer, said Athletic Director Chris Ragsdale.

“Durant is a whole different breed. It will take an incredible man to replace him,” said fifth year student Bobby Vail.

Durant, who has worked with nearly every team at one time or another, says he has seen a tremendous amount of improvement in all the athletes, especially the women.

There has been a tremendous amount of improvement in all of the athletes since Durant came to La Verne. All of the improvements can be seen in their performances in games.

Freshman volleyball player Allison Dahlgren came into La Verne never having lifted and has made drastic improvements.

“He’s done so much for our team and all the teams. More than anyone would ever know,” Dahlgren said.

One of his athletes has improved his vertical jump six and a half inches, Durant said.

“This was by far one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Durant said.