July 13, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford has hired Nathan Wilder as its new head football athletic trainer, Head Athletic Trainer Michelle Johnson announced Monday.

"We are excited to have Nathan join our staff," Johnson said. "He comes to Samford with a vast knowledge of athletic training, but also of working specifically with football teams at all different levels. I think he will serve our department very well."

Wilder comes to Samford from Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, Pa., where he served as the head athletic trainer since 2004. Prior to his time at Waynesburg, Wilder was an assistant professor/assistant athletic trainer at Southern Connecticut State University.

Prior to working at Southern Connecticut State, Wilder spent one year working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.

Wilder holds credentials as a certified athletic trainer and as a strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Wilder, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., graduated suma cum laude from Waynesburg University in 1996. After graduating from Waynesburg, Wilder attended graduate school and worked at Ohio University.

Wilder and his wife, Nicole, have one son, Brady (1).