Joel Stager  

Joel Stager attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he received a B.S. degree in 1975 with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. While at Miami, he was a record holder in intramural athletics and was a competitive swimmer specializing in freestyle sprints. Dr. Stager was recruited by Doc Counsilman to Indiana University and completed his doctorate within the Medical Science Program in physiology with a minor in biochemistry. During this time he was fortunate to interact with Dr. Sid Robinson, a pioneer in the field of exercise physiology. Dr. Stager also worked as an assistant for Doc Counsilman during the summers and thereby maintained active involvement with competitive swimming.

Dr. Joel Stager spent four years at Colorado State University where he studied the effects of physical activity on the growth and development of young swimmers. While in Colorado, his interest in the effects of high altitude on human performance was initiated. In 1984, Dr. Stager was extended an opportunity to return to Indiana University where he is now the Director of the Human Performance Laboratories. His research interest center on cardiopulmonary performance during exercise in elite athletes, exercise and environmental stress, and exercise and its effect upon growth and development. Dr. Stager has served as an editor-in-chief for ASCA’s Journal of Swimming Research and as a research advisor to USA Swimming.

USOC has funded Dr. Stager to conduct projects related to competitive swimming as well as track and field. He currently oversees one of the largest and most respected graduate programs in exercise physiology in the United States. Dr. Stager is an aging “age-grouper,” was the U.S. Masters National Champion in his age group in the 50-yard freestyle for 1998, and currently helps coach the IU Masters Swim Club.