The Sam Houston State University strength and conditioning program is under the direction of Kyle Speer. The Bearkats' unique and challenging training program has made dramatic improvements in the strength, conditioning, flexibility and performance of every Sam Houston student-athlete.

The strength and conditioning staff is committed to taking the special young men and women who wear the Orange and White to an even higher level of ability.

The student-athletes benefit from a strength training and conditioning program designed specifically for them and the sport they play. Athletes from all 17 Bearkat sports work directly with coach Speer who had been recognized nationally for his accomplishments by American Football Monthly Magazine as NCAA Division I football championship "Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year."

Speer knows how to build champions. 

Since 2000, Sam Houston State has won 14 Southland Conference championships in football (2001 and 2004), men's basketball (2000, 2003 and 2010), women's golf (2004 and 2007) and men's outdoor track and field (2005 and 2006), women's outdoor track and field (2005, 2006 and 2008) and women's indoor track and field (2007 and 2008).

The Bearkats also have won six Southland Conference post-season tournament titles in men's basketball (2003 and 2010), baseball (2007, 2008 and 2009) and softball (2007).

The Sam Houston State athletic program is the only team in the league to win three consecutive Southland Conference Commissioner's Cups (2005, 2006 and 2007). The Cup symbolizes the combined men's and women's all-sports title for the league.

Bearkat Football 2013 Signee Program

Bearkat Football 2012 Non-Resident Program

Ron Randleman Strength & Fitness Photo Gallery   •   Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Kyle Speer bio

Ron Mafrige and Ron Randleman

The center piece of Bearkats' strength and conditioning program is Sam Houston State's 11,000-square foot Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Center which opened in the fall of 2006.

One of the finest intercollegiate strength and fitness centers in the Southwest, the facilityl consists of coaches' offices, men's and women's dressing rooms, and a 9,000 square foot area for weights. The center is used by all 16 Bearkat intercollegiate athletic teams.

The former dedication ceremony for the facility was held Saturday, Oct. 28. The facility is named for Ron Randleman who was head football coach at Sam Houston for 23 years (from 1982 to 2004), totaling 132 victories and leading the Bearkats to five conference championships and four national playoff appearances.

He served as director of athletics from 1984 to 1990, coordinating the University's move from the NAIA and Lone Star Conference to membership in the Southland Conference and competition at the NCAA Division I level.

During his 36 years as a head football coach, Randleman compiled a career record of 219 victories, 166 losses, and six ties to rank sixth all-time among NCAA Division I-AA coaches in total wins. During his tenure at William Penn, Pittsburg State, and Sam Houston, he won 11 conference championships and directed teams to post-season play 10 times. He was honored as regional or conference “Coach of the Year” 12 times.

The new center was made possible by a gift of $250,000 by Houston businessman and Bearkat alum Ron Mafrige.

The 11,000 square foot facility will be utilized by student-athletes from all 16 varsity sports. The center consists of coaches' offices, men's and women's dressing rooms, and a 9,000 square foot area for weights.

"The new weight room will benefit all 16 of our sports, both from a recruiting aspect and in helping us better condition our young men and women student-athletes," Director of Athletics Bobby Williams said. "The project is the result of a $250,000 gift from Houston businessman Ron Mafrige, a long time supporter not only of Bearkat athletics, but the entire University. We are deeply grateful for his gift. Our current 2,000 foot weight room was opened in 1986. The new strength and condition project combined with our new baseball/softball complex will give Sam Houston State athletic facilities second to none in the Southland Conference."

The Bearkats continue to improve the strength and fitness facility. The latest addition to the program came with the donation of several fitness machines to benefit Sam Houston's women's athletics teams.