EAST LANSING, Mich. - Just a day after landing former Johns Hopkins attackman Zach Palmer to the coaching staff, Michigan State lacrosse once again adds to its growing, accomplished group. Justin Hartig, owner of the Human Performance Institute based in DeWitt, MI, has been brought into the program as a strength coach.

Hartig is a native of Charlotte, Mich. He grew up competing in boxing circuits and after competing in MMA events throughout college, he turned professional in 2008. Hartig has competed in fights around the world as far as Thailand and has a scheduled fight in Australia coming up this year. After fours years of college football at Ball State University where he earned degrees in criminal justice, exercise science and became an NSCA certified strength coach,

Hartig spent two years in the NFL before he transitioned to training athletes full-time. He has worked extensively with teams and athletes including DeWitt football and several lacrosse programs across the state. Hartig also works with football development in Detroit while training a host of NFL players in the off-season.

“Lacrosse is such a unique sport in terms of training your body. I’m really excited to start working with an MSU team that I already know has a great work ethic and a lot of talented athletes,” Hartig said.

The team will train with Hartig weekly throughout the fall and consistently throughout the winter.

“A specific strength program and a committed strength coach is something our program has not had in the past," said Spartans head coach Cam Holding. "Justin brings a ton of energy and a great knowledge base to help take our kids and our program to the next level.”

After releasing last year’s coaching staff at the conclusion of the season, MSU continues to strive forward to improve the program. Hartig’s hiring comes just after adding Zach Palmer as an assistant and shortly after bringing in professional lacrosse player Cam Holding as head coach.