Bio

 Zens joins the Dakota Wesleyan athletic training staff as an associate athletic trainer. He came to DWU after nearly 15 years at the Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls. He began as the first physical therapist and helped the rehab department grow to 14 PTs, four OTs and over a dozen athletic trainers. Zens specialized in both operative and non-operative care of shoulder rehab, ranging from professional athletes to youth.

 He attended South Dakota State University where he attained his degree in athletic training. He went on to Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Zens achieved Sports Specialist Certification by the American Physical Therapy Association. He has been a speaker at several local and national conferences and has several publications in journals such as Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy and the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

 He is a member of multiple committees, including the state and national PT and AT Associations. The Canova, S.D., native is also an active member of the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists, an associate for the Justin Sports Medicine Team for Pro Rodeo.

 Zens is also still active with the cattle production of his hometown farm, helping him become a member of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Hereford Association Board of Directors.

 Zens is married to his wife Jill and they have three children – Stratton, Treston and Shaylee.