Abernethy, a former Division 1 Athlete and seasoned Coach of 25 years, hails from Lincoln County, North Carolina. From a young age, he was engaged in multiple sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track and field. His childhood years on his grandfather’s farm, working alongside his father, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a foundation of strength, drawing him towards football and strength training.
His football journey began at East Lincoln High School and progressed to Methodist University and Western Carolina University (WCU), where he secured his position as a four-year starter on the offensive line. Post his stint at WCU, he embarked on his coaching career, first as a graduate assistant football coach at his alma mater and later, after a mentorship under John Sisk, as a graduate assistant strength coach at Clemson University.
Clemson paved the way for his association with Ruben Mendoza, leading him to Ole Miss, and subsequently, his first directorial role in Strength and Conditioning at Western Kentucky University (WKU). While at WKU, he accomplished his Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. A subsequent return to Clemson further expanded his network, introducing him to Mike Ramsey, Scott Williams, and notably, Gordon Brown—an expert in fiberglass and composites.
This association with Brown sparked a revolutionary idea: a flexible yet load-bearing barbell that harnessed the principles of physics for resistance. Their brainstorming materialized into the founding of the Tsunami Bar, LLC in 2011, a venture that soon joined hands with Ramsey and Williams for manufacturing and marketing.
The Tsunami Bar needed validation. Furman Health Science’s keen interest led to Abernethy taking up the role of Director of Strength and Conditioning at Furman, resulting in six fruitful years of research. Under the guidance of Dr. Tony Caterisano and Dr. Randy Hutchinson, the bar underwent extensive testing, proving its monumental contribution to strength and speed training.
Recognizing its success, in 2018, Ramsey and Williams integrated Total Strength and Speed, Williams Strength, and Tsunami Bar, inviting Abernethy to spearhead their sales division. By 2022, Abernethy became a significant partner.
Besides his professional achievements, Abernethy pioneered the Speed Force Max Training System and founded The Iron Disciples, a nonprofit initiative assisting young men in making wise life choices. He cherishes a happy family life with his wife, Kelli, and their two children, Madilyn and Brooks.
