Jan. 17, 2006

LAS VEGAS - John Grieco has been named UNLV's new director of strength and conditioning, the school announced Tuesday.

Grieco will oversee the strength and conditioning program for all 17 Rebel varsity sports, with an emphasis on the football program. He comes to UNLV from East Carolina University, where he served as assistant strength coach since May of 2005 after spending the 2004 season directing the Pirates' football strength program.

A 1995 graduate from the University of Florida, Grieco went on to work at his alma mater from 1996-2004. During his stint in Gainesville, he worked with various programs, including the football, baseball, softball and track and field teams.

Grieco becomes UNLV's first new head strength and conditioning coach since Mark Philippi took over in 1993.

"UNLV did a national search and I think we hired the best fit for our athletic program," head football coach Mike Sanford said. "John's background working at the University of Florida, especially with the Gator football program, and then as the head football strength coach at East Carolina, is very impressive."

A member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association, Grieco is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He and his wife, Jamie, have a son, Nicholas, and a daughter, Gianna.

"I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to getting the ball rolling," Grieco said. "I am really impressed with Coach Sanford and his staff and where we can go as a program. I think the entire strength program at UNLV can really become something special."