OHIO CITY, OH - Saint Ignatius High School proudly announces Joe Denk '07 as the new Director of Strength and Conditioning. Denk most recently served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. 

"I had to leave Cleveland to appreciate it. I spent ten years away, which gave me a new perspective. I think there is no better place to raise a family," says Denk. There is no better school that will take care of you than Saint Ignatius. You are surrounded by excellence here."

The 2007 graduate was a member of the Saint Ignatius Rugby team during his time with the Blue and Gold, where he gained a passion for lifting weights and being a leader.

"We are excited to have Joe back at Saint Ignatius. When the position opened up, he had a strong desire to come back home, and he was excited to have the opportunity to work with our young men," says Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick '88. "In a few short days, he has worked with the guys and has told me it is a dream come true."

Denk previously worked at Brophy College Preparatory, an all-boys Jesuit school in Arizona. He was the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator and the chair of the Physical Education department.

'His background of working at Brophy Prep prepared him well to work within the mission of Saint Ignatius High School," Fitzpatrick says. "He will help on multiple fronts in the weight room to help put our kids in the best position possible. He understands the full picture of a Jesuit high school."

Denk starts his role at Saint Ignatius at the perfect time during the off-season before fall athletics begin in August. In his first week, working closely with the football program for off-season lifts and conditioning.

"I want to get to know all the kids, and I want them to know I have their back," Denk says. "We are here for each other; if we compete and push one another, the rest will take care of itself."

Denk will work alongside assistant strength and conditioning coaches Ralph King and Donny Croft '19.