Dave Williams

A native of South Charleston, West Virginia, Dave Williams attended Fairmont State College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Physical Education.  Williams was a co-captain on the Fairmont State football team which won the NAIA National Championship in 1967.  He was selected as a first team Associated Press Little All-American defensive lineman.

Williams spent three years in the US Army, including a one-year stint in Korea where he had the opportunity to play football for the 7th infantry division Bayonets.  There, he was in charge of the division’s gymnasium where he was a weight training instructor. 
           

Before entering the strength and conditioning profession, Williams spent six years as a teacher and a coach at two Virginia High Schools.
           

In 1980, Williams moved his family to work as a graduate assistant at the University of Alabama.  He worked for Mike Marks, the University’s strength coach, and legendary football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
           

After Alabama, Williams was hired as the head strength coach at Texas A&M where he served for the next three years.  Because of his Christian faith and a strong desire to work in Christian education once again, Williams left Texas A&M to become the first full-time strength coach at Liberty Baptist College-- now called Liberty University.
           

While directing the strength and conditioning program at Liberty, Williams coached Eric Green ( a number 1 draft pick), Wayne Haddix (All-Pro defensive back) and Samkon Gado (2005 NFL Rookie of the Year Finalist).  Wiliams has also guided countless baseball and basketball players on to successful professional careers--not to mention, countless all-American and all-conference performers.
           

A man of true character, Williams has always set the highest standard for all of his athletes--both in the gym and outside of it.  Coach Williams has poured his heart and soul into the lives of countless young people through the field of strength and conditioning.  His genuine concern for people will no doubt have an eternal impact.
           

Coach Williams was recognized during the 1992-93 school year, as one of five finalists nominated for the NSCA strength coach of the year.  In 2003, Williams was honored by being inducted into the Fairmont State College Athletic Department Hall of Fame.
           

Three years ago, Williams asked his close friend and former assistant, Bill Gillespie, to return and take over the head strength coaching position at Liberty.  They now work closely together to fulfill the goals and dreams of their beloved former pastor and chancellor, Dr. Jerry Falwell.  Dave and his wife, Lee, have two daughters--Shelly and Mary—as well as two grandsons, Jordan and Taylor.