Black Hills State athletics, in conjunction with Monument Health, is opening an on-campus nutrition center for student athletes. This center will be part of the existing student athlete weight room and services provided at BHSU.
The new Yellow Jacket Nutrition Center is a kitchen-style food service located in the student athlete weight room at the Donald E. Young Center. Complete with refrigerator, sink and food storage, this new setup allows the BHSU/Monument Health strength coaches to provide foods aimed to increase recovery for athletes post training sessions.
"Nutrition is so important," said Derek Van Blarcom, Assistant Athletic Performance Director at BHSU. "The quicker the athlete can start the recovery process, the faster they will be ready again for their next training session, practices or performance. We're looking forward to providing this asset to our current and future Yellow Jacket athletes."
Lueders Food Centers, in Spearfish, is providing the "fuel" or the food for the new nutrition center, and the nutrition center addition was donated by Stadium Sports Grill. Monument Health Sports Medicine employs the strength coaches.
"As part of our commitment to the communities we live in, Monument Health is proud to provide athletic training and strength and conditioning services to Black Hills State University athletics," said Justin Feeser, Manager of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation for the Northern Hills.
"Over the past year, Lueders and Stadium Sports Grill have stepped up to help further this commitment. By partnering with Monument Health and Black Hills State University, these businesses will help develop a dedicated space to address nutritional needs, supply appropriate diet choices, and advise student athletes to improve training, recovery, and athletic performance. Ultimately, we will see increased competitiveness and success for our programs on the field/court."
Monument Health has been the athletic medicine partner with Black Hills State University since 2012.
"The addition of the Yellow Jacket Nutrition Center in the BHSU Athletics Weight Room is incredible," added Padraic McMeel, Athletic Director. "We want our student athletes to become 'bigger, faster and stronger,' and their nutrition plays a critical role in this development! I can't wait until all of our student-athletes will reap the benefits of the Center. "
Thomas Worsley, President of Spearfish Hospital and Hills Markets added, "We are extremely excited for the development of the nutrition center and what it means for student athletes. Nutrition is at the core of wellness and improving the health of our communities. We look forward to this program's continued growth and expansion."
Monument Health, Black Hills State University Athletics, Stadium Sports Grill and Lueders Food Centers are hosting a joint chamber ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 29, at 3 p.m.
About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 12 communities across western South Dakota. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 38 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
-BHSUAthletics.com-
