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About MERGE Performance Institute

Where the science and benefits of performance + fitness + sports medicine + education come together in a comprehensive training experience.

With our state-of-the-art wellness facility, everything you do inside our doors is designed by our professional team. Then your unique and specialized plan is implemented by our staff of certified trainers, coaches, and physical therapists to give you the results you require and deserve.

 

The 4 Pillars

Fitness. Group + individual training + personal consulting, in a high-energy atmosphere, to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Performance. Science-based coaching in strength + conditioning for youth + high school + college + professional athletes.

Sports Medicine. Hands-on analysis + assessment of your needs to keep you healthy and performing at your best + therapy solutions for healing. 

Education. Classes + camps + seminars on topics ranging from nutrition to footwear, running mechanics to youth football, & more.

 

The MERGE Performance Institute Owners

Jim Romagna, Jason Meyer:

“Human performance is our passion. We draw from a wealth of knowledge and experience as athletes, coaches, and professionals in the sports performance and fitness world. As Dubuque community members, we have a commitment to our city as a whole and to the surrounding region.”

 

JIM ROMAGNA Owner
Jim Romagna is a native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

EDUCATION
1988 Graduated from Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School in suburban Milwaukee.
1988 Enrolled at St. Cloud State University to pursue football.
1989 Transferred to Loras College.
1992 Graduated from Loras College with a B.A. in English Writing.
2003 Completed a Master’s degree in Physical Education.
2020 Completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.

WORK EXPERIENCE
2000 Hired as Loras College’s Head Strength and Conditioning and Running Backs Coach.
2007 Hired as a full-time faculty member at the University of Dubuque in the Department of Health, Wellness and Sport.
2010 Named the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey team of the USHL.
2013 Appointed Department Head, Health Wellness and Sport at the University of Dubuque.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS & OTHER EXPERIENCE
  While attending Loras College, Jim was an all-conference performer in both football and track and a team captain in both sports. He left the football program holding eleven records and at the time of graduation was one of only seven running backs in the history of college football at all divisions to rush for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons. In 2018, Jim was inducted into the Loras College Athletic Hall of Fame.
  To satisfy his competitive spirit after college, Jim spent fourteen years competing in bodybuilding. The sport took him to New York, Miami, Los Angeles and many points in between. It was during that time when Jim honed his training and nutrition knowledge and the precise application of it. Competing in 24 competitions, some of his titles include Mr. Iowa, Mr. Central Midwest, Mr. Venice Beach and three top-5 finishes in World Championship competition. Jim has been on the expert resource list for Weider Publications and has had several articles published in industry magazines along with having made the cover of national and international magazines including Muscle and Fitness. Locally, Jim has been writing the “Live Fit” column for Dubuque’s Telegraph Herald since 2003.
  In 2010 Jim has been the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey team of the USHL, a position he held for ten years. While producing several NHL players, the Saints have won 2 championships and have made the playoffs in all eight seasons since returning to Dubuque.
  In addition, Jim has extensive experience coaching and training youth. He coached youth football for four seasons, was the Board President of the Dubuque Independent Football League and has run several youth camps in the area. Jim is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer.

 

JASON MEYER Owner
Jason Meyer was raised in Dubuque.

EDUCATION
1989 Graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School.
1995 Received his Bachelor of Natural Science from the University of Northern Iowa.
1998 Earned his Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa.

WORK EXPERIENCE
2000 Began working for Dubuque Physical Therapy in its Westside Orthopedic building in Dubuque, Iowa.
2005 Became a partner of Dubuque Physical Therapy.
2008 Became the sole owner of Dubuque Physical Therapy and, to provide the highest level and quality of service to its clients, opened a second clinic later that year.
2016 Relocated his Westside Orthopedic clinic to its current location (on the corner of JFK and Asbury). Added MERGE Performance Institute to the JFK location, offering a variety of post-rehabilitation training, community fitness/training programs, and sports performance training.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
  Running. While attending the University of Northern Iowa, Jason was a two-time all-conference runner in cross country and track, and an all-conference academic selection for both. Jason competed in 3,000m to 10,000m events. Upon graduation, he continued to run competitively and train for racing ranging from 800m to marathon. Jason was also an assistant track coach for his alma mater from 1998 to 2008, coaching several Drake relays and state qualifiers, including Hempstead’s first-ever track state champion in the 800m.
  Professionally. Jason has worked with clients associated with orthopedic issues, sports medicine, and workers compensation. In addition, he has a special interest in evaluating and treating running-related issues and is certified in the treatment of soft tissue injuries using Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTYM) by Performance Dynamics, FMS and SFMA level 1 certified by Functional Movement Systems.

 

The MERGE Performance Institute Trainers

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JEREMY JORDAN.

  • DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clarke College
  • BA, Athletic Training, Clarke College
  • ATC Certified Athletic Trainer

 

AARON HERBST.

  • MS, Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology, University of Iowa
  • BS, Athletic Training, Clarke College
  • ATC Certified Athletic Trainer
  • LAT Licensed Athletic Trainer

 

SIDNEY KOHL

  • MA, Business, University of Dubuque
  • BS, Health Wellness and Recreation, minor in Coaching, University of Dubuque
  • CFSC – Certified Functional Strength Coach
  • Level D Soccer Coaching