Doak Ostergard

Doak Ostergard enters his first year as the athletic performance research coordinator. Ostgergard, who is entering his 24th year overall with the athletic department, has spent the past five years as Nebraska's outreach director. He previously spent 18 years as an athletic trainer for the Huskers.

In his new role as athletic performance research coordinator, Ostergard will assist in the coordination, maintenance and oversight of athletic department performance and health based research. Ostergard works with sport programs/coaches, sports medicine, athletic training, strength & conditioning and nutrition to develop performance and health-based research ideas.

Ostergard will also serve as the liaison and assist with the oversight of the East Stadium Research Facility, primarily as it relates to the Nebraska Athletic Performance Lab (NAPL), the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior (CB3), other on- and off-campus partners and the public. He also is the athletic department's point of contact with the UNL Research & Economic Development Office and Nebraska Global.

From 2008 to 2013, Ostergard served as the athletic department's primary contact with the N Club, helping to coordinate communication and maintain relationships with former letterwinners from all Nebraska varsity sports. He also played a role in the development of the concepts that led to the creation and building of the new East Stadium Research Facility.

From 1998 to 2007, Ostergard served as NU's head football trainer and associate head athletic trainer. He became a full-time athletic trainer at Nebraska in 1990.

In his years as an athletic trainer, Ostergard's responsibilities included year-round preventive care, as well as immediate care for injured athletes at practices and games. He also helped develop techniques that are commonly used in the reconditioning of injured athletes.

Ostergard has been granted patents for two medical devices, an ankle rehabilitator and a shoulder harness. In addition, he played a key role in the design and development of a neck roll commonly used by football players nationally.

A native of Gothenburg, Neb., Ostergard received his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska in 1984, and went on to earn his master's degree from NU in 1989. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a member of the National Strength Coaches Association.