FORK UNION, VA -- Fork Union Military Academy is proud to welcome Anthony "Tony" Decker, M.Ed., CSCS, to the faculty as the Academy's new Strength and Conditioning Coach and Health Instructor.

Decker brings decades of experience developing athletes at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels and is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading experts in strength and conditioning, athletic development, and sports performance.

A four-time Strength Coach of the Year honoree at the conference, regional, and national levels, Decker has built a distinguished career leading strength and conditioning programs across the country. Most recently, he served as the Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach and Head of Football Performance at Cornell University, where he was responsible for training the Big Red football program.

Prior to Cornell, Decker served as Director of Strength and Conditioning and Department Head for Physical Education and Wellness at Chattanooga Christian School from 2020 to 2024. He previously held leadership roles at Coastal Carolina University, Susquehanna University, Temple University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Delaware.

Throughout his career, Decker has worked directly with football programs and student-athletes across a wide range of sports. At Temple University, he helped develop 17 NFL players and supported the football program during its return to a bowl game for the first time in 30 years. At the University of Virginia, where he served as Director of Strength and Conditioning from 1998 to 2002, he worked directly with football and oversaw assistants for both basketball programs as the Cavaliers appeared in three bowl games during that span.

At the University of Delaware, Decker oversaw strength and conditioning programs for all 22 varsity sports while also serving as Assistant Athletic Trainer. Earlier in his career, he began in collegiate athletics as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer and Student Strength Coach at the University of Virginia.

In addition to his coaching career, Decker has taught college-level courses in strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, anatomy and physiology, and program design, helping educate the next generation of coaches and sports performance professionals. He has also studied extensively with strength and conditioning staffs across the National Football League, completing professional development visits with the New England Patriots, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Decker earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University in 1983 and his Master of Education in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia in 1986. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and holds CPR and First Aid certification through the American Red Cross.

At Fork Union, Decker will support cadets through strength and conditioning, health education, and athletic development. His approach emphasizes discipline, accountability, resilience, preparation, and long-term growth.

"Fork Union is a place where structure, character, and development matter," Decker said. "I am excited to work with cadets in the classroom, in the weight room, and across campus as they grow stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the opportunities ahead."

With his depth of experience and passion for mentoring young men, Decker is an outstanding addition to Fork Union Military Academy's faculty and athletic programs.