Alex Sabo ’23 M’24, just finished his final year as a track & field student-athlete while working as a strength and conditioning coach for his master’s in Sport Performance.

Sabo was initially interested in attending Lebanon Valley because of the opportunities the Exercise Science Program could provide, including its reputation for post-graduation job placement. The chance to compete for the College’s track & field squad played an important role in his decision. Sabo said Melissa Byler, head track & field coach, helped him choose LVC, as he knew he would join a family with the Dutchmen when she welcomed him to the team.

“Coach Byler has been there for me since my recruitment, always trying to help me succeed in academics, athletics, and life,” Sabo said. “She wants the best for me and goes out of her way to ensure that I get the best education and athletic experience.”

Sabo has been an integral part of the team since arriving on campus, achieving success on and off the track. He was recognized for his positive impact as a teammate and competitor, earning All-MAC Sportsmanship Team selection as a junior.

Sabo competes in the heptathlon and decathlon for Lebanon Valley, participating in several events. The graduate student has excelled in these events, garnering accolades such as U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region Team honors as a sophomore.

Sabo has also qualified for events in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championships during each of his college years. He earned All-MAC Second Team honors at the 2023 MAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships after anchoring the 4×100 relay team that finished second. Sabo also helped the Dutchmen win their first MAC Championship in the history of the men’s indoor track & field program on Feb. 24, finishing fourth in the heptathlon with a career-best 3,890 points to score five points. He followed that up with a fifth-place finish in the decathlon as LVC completed the sweep as MAC Champions for the outdoor track and field team with a career-best 5,298 points as well as running on the 4×100 relay team.

“My favorite memories are from our conference championships,” Sabo said. “After training all year with my teammates, it is fulfilling to go out and perform in the most important meet of the year. I will never forget our team culture and the atmosphere at the championships.”

When Sabo is not competing for the Dutchmen, he trains other athletes as a strength and conditioning coach. He has interned with the strength and conditioning coaches at Lancaster Bible College and Bucknell University. Sabo works with LVC’s football, men’s soccer, field hockey, women’s ice hockey, and men’s lacrosse teams.

“My responsibilities include coaching and planning all in-season and out-of-season programming for my five assigned sports,” Sabo said. “I also work with them in the weight room and with regular performance testing.”

Sabo works closely with Nick Benhoff, LVC strength and conditioning coach. He has shadowed the coach and learned some best practices for succeeding in the field.

“Working with Coach Benhoff and the LVC student-athletes in the weight room has been a very fulfilling experience,” Sabo said. “Coach Benhoff does a great job of connecting with all athletes and developing them into better people.”

Sabo said he has greatly benefited from this hands-on experience as he works toward coaching strength and conditioning at the highest level.

“Working as a graduate assistant has prepared me for my career by learning under Coach Benhoff and practicing my coaching and programming skills,” Sabo said. “I have made mistakes, which allowed me to learn and become a better coach. The position has given me confidence in what I do and what I can improve going forward.”