Black Hills State athletics is partnering The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) and Sanford Sports Science Institute (SSSI), joining the Build Your Base program.

"We are extremely excited to partner with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and the Build your Base with Beef program," said Thayer Trenhaile, Assistant Athletic Director. "This will not only enhance our student athlete experience, but also give us the tools to further educate them on nutrition. As Western South Dakota's team this will also help us promote the already vibrant beef industry in Western South Dakota."

Build Your Base is a sports nutrition program that uses beef as its main source of protein and works in conjunction with college and university strength and conditioning programs to better fuel and educate student athletes. Black Hills State University is the fourth collegiate program in the state to join the partnership.

"Partnering with the Build your Base with Beef program will also help us serve our student athletes in starting a healthy lifestyle that will extend beyond their time at BHSU," Trenhaile said.

Both the SDBIC and SSSI are committed to empowering athletes and the communities that support them with evidence-based strategies to improve athletic performance and health.

"We are extremely excited to expand the program and see its growth at the collegiate level," said SDBIC Executive Director, Suzy Geppert. "We know the vital role beef plays in the athlete's diet as well as the economic impact the industry has on our South Dakota communities. Beef is proud to continue its support of our rural communities as well as expand the beef message to these young athletes as we help prepare them for the future."

Thayne Munce, Associate Director, Sanford Sports Science Institute adds, "Sanford Health is excited to welcome Black Hills State University to the Build Your Base team as we expand the collegiate program to Western South Dakota! We look forward to the opportunity this program provides to support the health, well-being and performance of Black Hills State student-athletes and are proud to partner with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council in this innovative endeavor."

For more information on the program visit www.buildyourbase.org.