When it comes to developing high-performing athletes, Ben Durbin brings a rare blend of insight and experience. As a strength and conditioning professional with a background in Olympic sports — and someone who’s been both on the field and on the sidelines — coach Durbin understands the demands of the game from every angle. With a career spanning collegiate football, international wrestling, and advanced education and experience in exercise science, Durbin has crafted a distinctive approach to athletic development grounded in precision, balance, and performance.
Shaping Strength Across Sports
As the Olympic Sports Strength & Conditioning Coach at Iowa State University, Ben Durbin oversaw the development and implementation of S&C programs across multiple sports. His philosophy centers around creating unified, well-balanced training systems tailored to the unique movement patterns, energy systems, and strength profiles of each sport.
Durbin’s approach goes beyond building muscle; it focuses on enhancing movement efficiency, endurance, and adaptability to the evolving demands of high-performance athletics. His methods aim to help athletes not only increase their physical capacity but also sustain peak performance and minimize injury risk throughout their competitive seasons.
Through data-driven programming, Durbin has developed a reputation for working with athletes who are stronger, faster, and more resilient. His programs are carefully designed to ensure that strength translates into performance on the field, court, or mat.
Academic Foundations and Athletic Insights
Durbin holds a Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education from Iowa State University, a degree that complements his deep understanding of sport science with an educator’s mindset. This academic foundation allows him to approach training from both a research-based and pedagogical perspective, helping athletes and coaches alike understand the “why” behind every movement.
Before becoming a leader in strength and conditioning, Durbin was an athlete himself. A former college football player for both the University of Wyoming and Iowa State University, he appeared in 39 games, including three bowl games, finishing his collegiate career with 51 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), and 4 sacks. These achievements reflect not only his athletic ability but also his deep understanding of the competitive mindset, knowledge that now shapes his coaching philosophy.
From Collegiate Gridiron to International Wrestling
After his football career, Durbin continued to compete at an elite level in wrestling, transitioning to the senior-level Olympic circuit. His achievements in freestyle wrestling are remarkable: a U.S. Open medalist and a podium finisher in multiple international competitions. He notably earned silver at the 2018 Cerro Pelada International in Havana, Cuba, and bronze at the Dave Schultz International at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
At his peak, Durbin ranked as high as 8th in the United States in the heavyweight freestyle division, reflecting his drive, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Legacy of Performance and Purpose
What sets Ben Durbin apart is his rare combination of athletic experience, scientific knowledge, and leadership in developing others. He channels his background as a high-performing athlete into helping today’s competitors reach their full potential through structured, evidence-based training.
Durbin’s holistic approach emphasizes not just strength but total athletic performance, blending biomechanics, recovery science, and mental conditioning to help athletes thrive. His work continues to elevate the standards of Olympic sports performance, helping shape the next generation of champions at Iowa State and beyond.
Durbin’s journey, from tackling opponents on the football field to wrestling on the international stage and now developing athletes across disciplines, is a testament to the power of persistence, purpose, and passion.
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