Dr. Jack Ransone Named Director of Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory

Lincoln - Jack Ransone PhD, ATC, FACSM was recently named the new director of the Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory (NAPL). Dr. Ransone directs a lab that allows researchers space to conduct advanced research on everything from the biomechanics of elite athletes to athletic and nutrition supplements to biomarkers that measure saliva and recovery time to cardiovascular research to athletic equipment issues such as helmet and footwear design. The research allows for innovative solutions that benefit athletes in terms of their safety and athletic performance.

“I am excited to be a member of the University of Nebraska community,” Ransone said. “It’s a privilege to work in a world-class laboratory alongside great coaches and athletes.”

Dr. Ransone came to Nebraska from Texas State University, where he served as a professor and the Director of Athletic Training since 2003. Dr. Ransone has over 25 publications, $1.3 million in external grant funding, an educational text, two patents and numerous national and international presentations.  Recently, Dr. Ransone also was the coordinator of medical systems for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs from May of 2010 to December of 2014.

“I am excited to have Dr. Ransone join Husker Athletics,” Executive Associate Athletic Director for Performance and Strategic Research Steve Waterfield said. “He will serve a critical role on our Athletic Performance team, and his championship caliber national and international work experience will positively impact Husker student-athletes, sports programs and campus collaborations.”

Dr. Ransone’s other stops in collegiate athletics include: Oklahoma State University, San Jose State and Adams State College. He has also served as an athletic trainer for the 2015 World Cross Country Championships (Guiyang China), 2013 Continental Cup (Marrakech Morocco), 2012 Olympic Games (London England), World Outdoor Track and Field Championships (Deagu Korea), 2008 Olympic Games (Beijing China), 2004 Olympic Games (Athens Greece), the 2003 Pan American Games (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), 2002 U.S. National Wrestling Teams Tour of Europe (Nyiregyhaza Hungary and Faenza Italy), the 2001 World Indoor Track & Field Championships (Lisbon Portugal) and 2000 U.S. National Wrestling Teams Olympic Qualifier (Claremont France).

In 2013, a 50,000 square-foot East Memorial Stadium expansion brought together researchers from the NAPL and UNL’s Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior (CB3). Each research center is more than 20,000 square feet. Both are connected by a bridge located inside Nebraska’s football stadium. The NAPL is believed to be the first in-stadium, on-campus research center directed by a collegiate department of athletics. Both research centers work collaboratively to expand understanding of performance, safety, brain function, health and long-term well-being that benefits student-athletes, the military and society.

The East Stadium NAPL comprises approximately 23,000 square feet on the second and third floors of East Memorial Stadium. This cutting-edge facility allows the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to establish a center for excellence in sports science that provides a unique link between UNL's prestigious athletic programs, various academic departments within the University and private partners with a shared interest in improving the health, safety and welfare of student-athletes and the general community.