May 3, 2006

LAS VEGAS - UNLV announced in January that John Grieco was named the new director of strength and conditioning, overseeing all 17 Rebel varsity programs with an emphasis on the football program.

Months later, after switching coasts, moving his family into a new home, meeting his staff and the rest of the Rebel athletic department as well as getting one spring football session under his belt, Grieco is settling into his new post.

"My family and I are extremely excited to be here and to get know everyone on a more personal level," Grieco says. "I hit the ground running when I got here and right now things are gelling and it is very exciting."

Grieco came to UNLV from East Carolina, where he served as an assistant strength coach since May 2005 after spending the 2004 season directing the Pirates' football strength program. A 1995 graduate of the University of Florida, Grieco went on to work for his alma mater from 1996-2004 and he worked with various programs, including football, baseball, softball and track and field.

"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."

Grieco said his goal at UNLV is to run the best strength and condition program in the country, one that helps produces championships in every sport year in and year out.

"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."

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.