Sometimes life comes full circle when you least expect it. This was the situation alum Kyle Bixler found himself in when he was asked to return to a place that had become his home as a teenager. Today, Bixler is helping teens find the best version of themselves at his former high school – The Perkiomen School.

Bixler returns to the school he graduated from in 2000 as the head of the strength and conditioning program for student-athletes. Bixler was a standout basketball player for Perkiomen and a member of Neumann’s men’s basketball team. 

“I’m looking forward to returning to my alma mater,” Bixler said. “With 18 years of strength and conditioning coaching experience, I’m excited to work with the Perkiomen athletes. My main goal is to help them grow both mentally and physically to become stronger athletes.”

The Perkiomen School, located in Western Pennsylvania, is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory school for sixth- twelfth-grade students. Students can attend a day program or reside on campus. The school strongly focuses on athletics and attracts students from all over the world.

Bixler heard about the job opening at his old high school through a friend, and he reached out to his athletic director, Ken Baker, who is still working for Perkiomen. Baker immediately asked Bixler to send his resume, which he did, and five days later, he was hired.

The school announced Bixler’s hiring on their website and said adding him to their staff was “an investment in Panther student-athletes, giving them an extra edge in preparing them for competition and sports after high school.”

The school has changed since Bixler attended, offering state-of-the-art sports facilities. He is eager to work with the students and help them reach their highest potential.  

“I hope to share with them the things I have learned in the past 15 years. I want to prepare them for the next level, whether that is college or a higher level of a professional sport,” he said.

Prior to joining Perkiomen, Bixler was working for the Diocese of Allentown as a gym teacher. Physical fitness and sports are paramount in Bixler’s life. He has coached numerous athletes over the years and has competed in Strongman contests around the country. In 2019, Bixler won the Maryland Strongest Man title. He is also the regional chairman of Strongman of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Some events in a Strongman competition include an overhead press using a large wooden log, an axle with tires, or a deadlift picking up a car or train wheels. This is certainly not a contest for the weak!

Bixler also runs his own fitness company, Teambix Strength and Sports, which includes two gyms in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He started this company in 2008, training student-athletes, nationally ranked gymnasts, and individuals interested in competing in Strongman/Strongwoman contests.