Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State To Launch Training Table
10/28/2014 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 28, 2014
By Jason Clay
jaclay@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State Athletics announced that it is launching a nutritional training table pilot program consisting of one meal per day to be served to its student-athletes beginning on Monday, Nov. 3.
The Bulldog Foundation Board of Directors approved the implementation of the training table, which will cost between $300,000 to $350,000 for the remainder of this academic year. The pilot program will be funded through the generosity of the Bulldog Foundation.
"We are extremely thankful to the BDF Board of Directors for funding this extremely important initiative for our student-athletes. I applaud the efforts of (Interim Co-Director of Athletics) Dr. Cindy Matson and (Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Operations) Debbie Astone in helping us find a place on campus where we could have it and partner with us on the university catering side to make something like this happen," Interim Co-Director of Athletics Steve Robertello said. "Anytime you can add something that helps continue to move our program forward, that's a positive thing and shows we are making great steps in the area of nutrition. This will be very beneficial for our student-athlete both academically and athletically."
Every Fresno State student-athlete - scholarship or walk-on - in all men's and women's sports will have access to the training table if it is something they sign up for.
"The launching of this pilot program reflects the University's commitment to its student-athletes and helping them strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition and in life," said Caren Meyer, president of the BDF Board of Directors.
University catering will be preparing the meals for the Bulldog student-athletes, who will be served the dinners on campus.
Head football coach Tim DeRuyter is a firm believer that proper nutrition is key in the development of young men and women and he is happy to see the program come to fruition.
"Being able to have a training table will be very beneficial to our program and student-athletes, who need the nutrients to replenish their bodies," DeRuyter said. "It is also a huge thing for our entire athletic department that we will be able to provide nutritionally balanced meals for all of our student-athletes. It's great to see that our student-athletes well-being is our highest priority."
Bulldog women's basketball coach Jaime White said she believes the training table will enhance the overall student-athlete experience of the young men and women who come to Fresno State.
"To be able to take care of our student-athletes, making sure they're eating the right things, is very important and this training table will allow us to do so," White said. "Our student-athletes will be eating the right things at the right times and those are things that will help them across the board."
"Be Bold" - The official home of the Fresno State Bulldogs is 940 AM ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes 1600 AM.
