Head Coach & Owner: Zac Cooper MS, USAW-L1SP, NSCA-CPT, USAPL-SIC, IPF-II

Zac has been involved in the sport of powerlifting since 1997 and USA Powerlifting since 2000.  He brings extensive knowledge as a coach for both raw and equipped powerlifters as well as the expertise with helping those athletes that are interested in transitioning from raw to equipped.


Since 2006, Zac has given dozens of clinics throughout the US coaching the importance of proper mechanics in each of the power lifts.  He has always maintained that the key to 

ABOUT US

Coach: Ivan E. Cancel MA, IPF-II

Ivan brings over 15 years of experience as a competitive powerlifter and national level coach.  In addition to holding multiple NAPF Championship titles, IPF World Championship medals and NAPF records, Ivan has coached dozens of lifters of all levels from local and provincial competitions to the IPF World Championships and the World Games.  Ivan's unique ability to strengthen each athlete according to their individual needs is proven every time they step on the platform.

His coaching experience includes:
Puerto Rico Powerlifting Federation National Head Coach 2011-2018, coaching his athletes at multiple international competitions:

  • 7 IPF Equipped World Championships
  • 1 IPF World Classic World Championship
  • 3 IPF Junior Equipped World Championships
  • 2 World Games
  • 3 IPF World Master World Championships


In addition, Ivan has the following organizational experience:

  • IPF-II International Referee
  • NAPF Vice-President (2015-2019)
  • IPF Coaching Commission member
  • National referee course certification in Mexico
  • Puerto Rico Powerlifting Federation former President (2013-2019)
  • Hosted events in Puerto Rico include: 2010 NAPF Championship, 2012 IPF World Championship, and the 2015 NAPF Bench Press Championship


Education and Certifications:

  • Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Mental Health;  Puerto Rico University
  • Masters Degree in Exercise Science with specialty in Exercise Physiology; University of Puerto Rico
  • Puerto Rican Sports Department licensed High Performance Powerlifting Coach
  • AFAA certified Personal Trainer

minimizing injury and maximizing performance is the optimization of properly executed lifts completed with efficient mechanics.  His mission has remained constant… helping others succeed and improve the quality of their lives through the power of strength.

Coaching experience includes:

  • Served as Head Powerlifting Coach at Truman State and Louisiana Tech University and Assistant Coach at Northeastern University.  While at Louisiana Tech, the Men’s & Women’s Powerlifting Teams won three Team National Championships and he was named the 2006 National Collegiate Coach of the Year.
  • Head Coach for the USA Sub-Junior/Junior National Team at the IPF Sub-Junior/Junior World Championships (2019-2021)
  • Assistant Coach for USA Powerlifting NAPF (North American Powerlifting Federation) Teams (2013-2017)
  • Assistant Coach for USA Powerlifting Pan-American Teams (NAPF & FESUPO) (2013-2018)
  • Assistant Coach for USA Powerlifting University World Championship Teams (2016)
  • Coached over 100 All-American powerlifters and over 50 National Champion powerlifters
  • Instructor for USA Powerlifting's Coaching Certification Course (2014-Present)
  • Coach/Instructor for USA Powerlifting Athlete Camps (2019-Present)


In addition, Zac brings the following organizational experience:

  • Meet director for multiple local, state and regional competitions
  • Serves as both a consultant and mentor for new meet directors throughout the US
  • IPF-II International Referee
  • Served as Technical Secretary for both Regional level and National level meets
  • Positions held within USA Powerlifting include National Collegiate Chairman 


Education and Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s of Science in Health & Exercise Science, with an emphasis in exercise physiology: Truman State University. 
  • Master’s of Science in Exercise Science, with an emphasis in strength and conditioning;  Louisiana Tech University. 
  • National Strength & Conditioning Association, certified Personal Trainer and published researcher
  • USA Powerlifting Senior International Coach
  • USA Weightlifting-L1SP