A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Shane Nelson

A devout father, husband, colleague, and friend, Shane Nelson is helping small-town Portage High School make big-time leaps and bounds with their athletic program. Nelson has a heart for his students and his athletes, and as a native of Northwest Indiana, he has a profound commitment to his community.

As Portage High School’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, Nelson works closely with the school’s 400+ athletes, including freshman, junior varsity (JV), and varsity athletes, across the school’s 24 sports.

His work with the athletes is part of a programming effort by the school to help Portage High School athletics grow competitively. The programming requires all athletes to train after school during the off season incorporating lifting, agility and mobility drills, and cardio exercises. Athletes also have the opportunity to complete this training requirement through both physical education (PE) and general credit. The 45-minute class can be taken freshman year to complete the PE credit required by the high school and then as an elective after that.

“We were really excited to get this off the ground as an offering to our athletes,” Nelson said. “Prior to establishing it a couple of years ago, we were really behind athletically. It’s leveling the playing field.”

Nelson is in the weight room throughout the day and after school with students. Prior to the establishment of the formal programming, he trained the students part-time while serving as one of the school’s full-time attendance officers. While Nelson loved his role in the attendance office, being in the weight room with the students throughout the day is a dream come true for him.

“I love being in the trenches every day,” he said. “Seeing their confidence grow and their strength grow. My goal for them is that each has the opportunity to experience success.”

As a graduate of Chesterton High School, Nelson also worked at Chesterton High School for 18 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in sociology from Valparaiso University and his master’s degree in sports science from the United States Sports University. He has a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

In Nelson’s free time, he likes to workout and often bikes the local trails.

“My students will joke with me when they see me on the bike trails,” Nelson said.

Nelson and his wife Joanna have three children, all of whom are very athletic. Nelson now works with both of his daughters, who coach volleyball at the school. Additionally, Joanna often works the score table at volleyball games.

Nelson has nothing but gratitude for his team and the Portage High School Community.

“There are a few teachers that also help with the strength and conditioning class and the afterschool session,” Nelson said. “Our staff and administration is wonderful. Both the superintendent, principal, the current athletic director, and the previous athletic director all were integral to starting the strength and conditioning programming.”