Dr. Col. Nick Gist helps West Point cadets become fit for duty

Dr. Col. Nick Gist helps West Point cadets become fit for duty

Most Americans involved in the United States Armed Forces have heard of West Point. The four-year educational institution was founded in 1802 and is the point of contact for many future members of the armed forces to begin their tour of duty. West Point's mission is "to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate will be a leader of character, committed to the values ​​of duty, honor and country, and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation." a U.S. Army officer.”

One of the people who plays an important role in this mission is Dr. Col. Nicholas Gist, who works as head of the athletic department at West Point. A title he holds with honor is “Master of the Sword.” Growing up in Alpine, California, he may not have predicted what he would do in the future, but he credits his upbringing as a big reason why he is where he is today.

“I think a lot of the journey I took, if not all of it, was a product of my childhood,” Gist said. “From my earliest memories, my parents were always people who enjoyed being outside.”

His father was a farrier and served in the United States Navy for seven years, but Gist didn't see much of that part of his father's life. His mother also came from a farming family. Combine these two backgrounds, and you have a child who was used to being outside early and often.

“I grew up playing outside, and I mean that in the truest sense of the word: ‘Go outside, explore your surroundings, play games, throw rocks, fight with swords with sticks, and that’s definitely part of playing sports too’.”

Gist played baseball and soccer and took up amateur wrestling as his sport of choice. These would become the main focus of his childhood. His younger brother Eric grew up the same way. He referred to coaches like Bruce Wiseman as fathers to other children on his teams and viewed them as extended family members.

"In the Army we call them our tribes. Those were our tribes."

Fast forward to high school graduation and Gist found himself a cadet at West Point. As soon as he stepped onto campus, he knew more would be expected of him, but he was confident he could live up to the high standards.

“West Point had very high expectations for developing leaders of character,” he said. He also realized that becoming that leader was both a physical and a mental requirement.

“You realize very early on how important it is to be physically fit, the physicality of the job you do as a future soldier.”

A look at Gist's achievements in the army shows that he has developed into such a leader. After graduating in 1994, he traveled the world serving and ministering to military colleagues in Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was involved in missions such as Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. He completed his last mission in May 2017.

Awards he received throughout his career include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), NATO Medal (ISAF Clasp), and the Army Aviation Association of America Order of Saint Michael (Bronze).

On April 17, 2015, Gist assumed the position he now holds, and he played an important role in developing the cadets he worked with into the Soldiers and leaders our country needs. West Point's overall goal is to educate its students on three pillars: academic, military and physical. The fact that he has become a reason that people who walk the halls of West Point feel the same way he did when he was a student is not lost on him.

"It is a great privilege to serve here. We have a tremendously important mission, and its importance cannot be overstated."

Gist described the Department of Physical Education at West Point as a diverse and effective combination of military experience and civilian disciplinary expertise. The team consists of military personnel, non-military faculty and support staff. As with any sports team or large company, all components must complement each other and work together to achieve the goal.

“All of these people come from different backgrounds in terms of education, kinesiology and of course military experience,” he shared. “We are committed to this mission and ultimately have been very successful in developing leaders of character.”

As with other U.S. Military Academy facilities, if you want to succeed at a place like West Point, you have to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Gist shared that they intentionally push her out of her comfort zone early and often, but Gist explained that it is necessary to achieve greatness, whether in the military or in fitness.

"This is where adaptation happens. Just like looking at skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle adapts as we become increasingly overloaded," he explained. “When we are willing to challenge ourselves and others, adaptation occurs and people grow.”

Gist has not only witnessed this process in his 29-year career. He experienced it as a parent. His daughter Maddie is about to graduate from flight school as an Apache pilot at West Point. His son Graham is also a junior at West Point. He suggested that many other young people would choose military service and achieve great success for their country and themselves.

Gist said, "I would advocate for this as I have done with my own children because I think it's important to the current and future state of our nation. It's really about citizenship." He also hopes that people who remain civilians can find ways to support those who wear the uniform.

“Whether someone serves or not, supporting our service members is incredibly important.”

For more information about West Point, visit westpoint.edu. You can follow the United States Military Academy on Instagram @westpoint_usma and the USMA Department of Physical Education @westpoint_dpe.