Our Instructors

 

Brian Poldberg

Program Consultant

Poldberg resides in Carter Lake, Iowa, and he has spent over the last 30 years with the Kansas City Royals organization. Poldberg served in various coaching roles with the major league team and is most notable in the big leagues for his extensive work with catchers. Before taking the manager position with the Triple-A Storm Chasers in 2014, Poldberg served as the manager for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Double-A affiliate of the Royals, from 2008 to 2013. During his time as a manager Poldberg racked up over 1,300 wins, with over 475 of those coming as the head man in Omaha. 

He was the Royals’ Dick Howser Award winner, given to the organization’s most outstanding player development person, in 1998 and 2010.

What do MLB Executives say about Brian’s career in the Royals Organization?

“Unselfish commitment is the phrase that comes to mind when thinking of Poley’s coaching career,” Storm Chasers president Martie Cordaro said. “He has dedicated his life to helping players realize their baseball goals and dreams. I am honored to have been able to work with Poley the last seven years of his managerial career.”

“We’re so thankful for all Poldberg has done not only for baseball but surely the Kansas City Royals,” Kansas City Royals president of baseball operations Dayton Moore said. “Poldberg has touched every generation of player that we’ve had come through here and future generations are going to be continually impacted because of Poldberg’s great effort.” 

Reece Blay

Hitting Coordinator

Blay is a 2017 graduate from Lewis Central High School. Throughout his career there, he earned All-City, All-District, All-Western Iowa, and 2nd Team All-State honors. He went on to play collegiate baseball at Southeast CC, Marshalltown CC, and Morningside College, where he graduated in 2021. 

He is currently a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.​

Blay – “I love the challenge that each kid offers in the different ways they move, think, react. I get tremendous enjoyment out of seeing a player improve because I was able to meet their specific needs with my adaptive coaching style.” 

Kendrick Umphreys

Hitting, Pitching, & Catching Instructor

Umphreys is a 2017 graduate of Treynor High School where he was a four-year letter winner in baseball and excelled both on the mound and at the plate. His accomplishments on the field were rewarded with an opportunity to play on the Iowa Small School West All-Star team.

After high school, Kendrick chose to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting. While there, he still wanted to be involved in the game of baseball and was able to serve as the bullpen catcher for the Huskers from 2017 – 2021. During this time, he not only received high level instruction as a catcher but also participated in the university’s Nebraska Baseball Academy where he traveled the state hosting baseball camps with other players and coaching staff at UNL.

He is currently a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Omaha pursuing his master’s degree in accounting and preparing for the CPA exam.

Umphreys – “I love the game of baseball as it has brought me great opportunities and experiences. I hope to use those experiences to teach our youth in a highly energetic and exciting way. I want the athletes I work with to have fun learning from both their failures and success. There is nothing better than watching continuous improvement in action!” 

 

Andrew Altstadt

Hitting, Pitching, & Catching Instructor

Andrew is a 2017 graduate of Columbus High School, in Columbus NE. He went on to play collegiate baseball at Southeast CC, Northeast CC, and California State University Dominguez Hills and competed as both a pitcher and catcher throughout his college career. Andrew still spends his summers competing in organized men’s baseball leagues and loves staying involved in all aspects of the game.

He currently resides in Omaha where he works for Advisor Seekers as a recruiter in the wealth management industry.

Altstadt- “The game of baseball has helped mold me into the person I am today, and it is something that will always be a part of me. It is so rewarding to be able to give back to the community and have an impact on young players. I have loved watching the OSA members grow into the players and people they are striving to be. The OSA team has built a culture with a foundation of hard work, toughness, and competitiveness while always keeping the love of the game intact. It has been an honor to work with everyone involved in the organization.”

Kortney Buresh

Hitting & Outfield Instructor

Kortney is a graduate from Wayne State College (May 2022) and recently came back home to Omaha and now works full time in Marketing. During her time at WSC Kortney started all four years as a centerfielder for the Wildcat softball team competing at the D2, NSIC Conference level. She was the lead off hitter specializing in slapping. During her senior year she was ranked #15 in the nation for the hardest to strike out in the NCAA D2. She stole 23 bases tied for second in the NSIC, first on the team, and 8th in WSC history. She led her team in at bats and hits. Not only does Kortney believe training the physical aspect of the game is important but she is a strong advocate for being mentally strong, a good teammate, leader and bringing in faith and passion to the game.

Kortney graduated from Bellevue West Highschool in 2018 and played for Echoes Gold travel team competing in PGF, ASA and Gold College Exposure tournaments. Kortney is excited to get back into softball by sharing her experience and skills to younger players.

Kortney “This sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has given so much to me and helped shape me to the person I am today so I think it's important to be able to give back to the game by sharing my experiences to younger players. I think learning the physical components of hitting as well as understanding strategy and being mentally strong all are equally important in becoming a successful hitter.”

 

Rob Riggs

Pitching, Hitting & Defense Instructor

Riggs is a 2006 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School where he earned All Conference honors as a catcher. Riggs went on to pitch at Northwest Oklahoma State University and Dana College. In 2008, Riggs earned All NAIA Nebraska team for pitching while defeating five Top 25 teams in the country. Riggs graduated with his bachelor degree in Secondary Education in History and Special Education and earned his masters degree through Morningside University in Behavior Disorders, Intellectual Disorders, and Learning Disabilities.

Riggs is father of three, one boy and two girls, and he and his wife reside in Council Bluffs.

Riggs has coached high school baseball since 2007, spending time at Abraham Lincoln from 2007-2015, Treynor 2016-2017, and Lewis Central from 2021-2022. He has also coached high school football at Abraham Lincoln from 2011- 2020 and Lewis Central 2021-Present.

Riggs says; “I love working with young athletes in various environments. Helping athletes stretch, grow, and improve so they can reach their goals has always been a passion of mine. It is not about being the best player on the team but instead being the best you can be.”

Allyne Clark

Softball Coordinator

Clark recently finished her first season as an assistant coach for Iowa Western Community College.  Clark began her collegiate playing career at Highland CC (KS) from 2012-14 and earned second-team All-Region honors after the 2013 season.  The Scotties made back-to-back trips to the NJCAA national tournament during her stint, winning a pair of Region VI titles along the way.

After Highland, Clark transferred to NCAA D1 Iona University.

Following graduation, Clark took her talents overseas to the Czech Republic, playing for SaBaT Praha in 2017.  She then moved on to play and coach for Parklands Christchurch United in Christchurch, New Zealand where they won the Canterbury League in 2018, 2019, and 2020.  Clark was also drafted by team Moh-BEEL USA in the American Softball Association (ASBA), winning the league in 2019.

A native of Abilene, KS, Coach Clark earned her bachelor's degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations in 2016 from Iona University.

Lauren Nahnsen

Pitching, Hitting & Defense Instructor

Lauren is a 2015 graduate from Abraham Lincoln. She was a 5-year Varsity starter while earning All-Conference, All-City, and All-State honors. She was Council Bluffs City Softball Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015, Third team All-State in 2014, and Second team All-State in 2015.

Nahnsen is the current single season Home Run record holder at Abraham Lincoln with 17 hit her senior season and has a career total of 42. She also is the A.L. single season record holder for win percentage as pitcher at over 81% (22-5), and holds a career record of 75-29 while competing in high school.

Lauren kept adding to record breaking seasons post high school and holds the Home Run record for her junior college team the Crowder Roughriders out of Neosho, Mo.

Nahnsen currently lives in Council Bluffs and works full time as a nurse.

Nahnsen - “Softball was such a focus in my life growing up and I’m thrilled to throw myself back into it. I want to help girls and young women learn the game, expand their knowledge, and develop their skills. I hope to share my love of softball in a fun environment where we work hard together to get things done.”

Kaden Davis

Hitting & Defense Instructor

A West Marshall (IA) graduate in 2021 who excelled in his baseball career throughout high school and his career at Dordt University.

While at West Marshall he was a standout as soon as he stepped on the field. Winning first team All-State honors three times while playing Outfield. Davis was named Times-Republican player of the year in 2021. Davis holds many records at his high school including, Hits in a game, Doubles in a season, and Career batting average.

After his successful high school career Davis chose to play at Dordt University. Davis found time in the lineup freshman year and ended hitting .333 in conference. Sophomore year Davis led the Defenders in HR’s and RBI’s.

Davis is a current student at UNO studying construction management.

Davis- “When you grow up having lots of people help you throughout your playing career, you want to give back. It was a no brainer when my playing days were done to give back to the game that gave me so much.”

Logan Manz

Hitting & Defense Instructor

Manz is a 2023 Lewis Central graduate where he was a three year letter winner and lead 2nd baseman for his Junior and Senior year. Manz took great pride in being capable of playing any position that was needed for the betterment of the team. He helped pave the way for the Titans first state appearance in 17 years.

After High School, Manz was set to play at Marshalltown Community College; however due to shoulder surgery and the length of recovery time, he decided to rehab at home and complete his welding diploma at lowa Western Community College.

As a former OSA member Logan understands the value of the added training opportunities the facility provides and is excited to be a part of the OSA faculty by helping to develop young athletes that share his same love of the game.

"Baseball has been a huge part of my life since I was 4 years old. It was an instant love for me and the one thing that I always wanted to get better and better at! Having a training facility that pours into individual athlete can take that player from good to great.”

Peak Performance Partners

 

Old School Academy is proud to partner with Bobby Reisz and his Peak Performance team to add additional resource to our community and members in their pursuit of achieving their peak potential. Bobby and his staff are highly respected in the areas of strength and explosive movement train, injury prevention, recovery, as well as having specialization in baseball and softball training. To lean more about Bobby and his team please read below or visit his website, peakperformancesportstraining.com.

 

Bobby Reisz

Peak Performance Owner

Reisz grew up in southwest Iowa and graduated from Woodbine High School in 1990. Bobby played baseball at Waldorf Junior College and later attended the University of Iowa where he dual majored and received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology and Education. He recieved a Biology Education Endorsement and earned his Masters in Education from Drake University after his time at Iowa. 

Bobby started Peak Performance in 1996 which has led him to serve in many roles over that time. He has served as an educator in the classroom for Dowling Catholic High School and several colleges in the areas of Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology. Bobby has worked as a strength and conditioning coach, an athletic trainer, and rehab specialist for Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, USA Wrestling, Des Moines Menace Soccer, Chicago Cubs organization, NBA D=League teams, Semi Pro Hockey teams including the Buccaneers and Des Moines North Stars, and several high schools from Omaha to Des Moines. 

Bobby’s work has allowed him to travel the word and work with the world’s best in exercise science and sports performance. He continues to work with multiple professional athletes in baseball, football, and wrestling around the globe combining the weastern and eastern european model. He has also been a featured lecturer at the Iowa High School Coaches Convention and for the Iowa State Softball, Football, Boys Athletic Association. 

Bobby’s credentials include; Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (1999-present), National Athletic Trainers Association Certification (1996-present), Massage Therapy License (2006-present)

Reisz - “The field of strength and conditioning is extremely dynamic and always changing. We understand that time is of the essence and athletics are more competitive than ever. The one constant in our profession is the client. Our number one goal at Peak Performance is to make each and every individual stronger, faster and more powerful in whatever sport or fitness level they choose to participate in.”

“Mental is to Physical as 4 is to 2”