KALAMAZOO, Mich. – As the Western Michigan Department of Intercollegiate Athletics continues to prioritize the holistic development of student-athletes by providing resources and expanded programming in the areas of physical, mental, and nutritional health, it is excited to unveil four refueling and nutrition stations located directly within the athletic facilities. The stations, designed to provide better nutrition and fuel for WMU student-athletes and enhance their experience as Broncos, are located at University Arena, Lawson Ice Arena, the Seelye Center, and the Bill Brown Alumni Football Center.
The outfitting of the refueling stations would not have been possible without the generous donation from David Stafford and Stafford Smith, Inc. Stafford Smith, a restaurant supply business located in Kalamazoo, donated blenders, ice makers, refrigerators, freezers, toasters, and dishwashers for all locations.
"We have prioritized 24/7 access to improved nutritional resources for our athletes as we seek to lead the country in their development," said WMU Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. "These four nutrition refueling stations are an important first step towards improving upon this support. We are incredibly thankful for the generous donation from David Stafford of Stafford-Smith as well as the great work of our Sports Medicine team and our University Facilities team in implementing these important resources for our student-athletes."
The stations have been in operation since early January and are already a big hit with the student-athletes, coaches, and strength and conditioning staff.
"It was our pleasure to help the student-athletes at WMU," said Stafford Smith CEO and WMU Football alum David Stafford. "As a former student-athlete, myself I can remember the scramble at times to get something to eat, so it's our hope that this helps the student-athletes in getting the sustenance they need on a regular basis. It is always important to me to be able to give back to WMU for all they had done for me in my youth."
The stations are also equipped with swipe card access to give the student-athletes the ability to refuel during the day.
What They Are Saying:
WMU Strength and Conditioning Coach, Tim Herrmann: "The response from the student-athletes has been great. It has obviously been an uptick in what we used to provide. We were at a 'grab and go' snack option and now it is much more full-fledged meals. The ability to provide a more solid meal at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We have definitely upped the ante from what we're providing for the student-athletes, and we have heard nothing but positive feedback on what they're getting."
WMU Head Men's Soccer Coach, Chad Wiseman: "The new refueling stations across the athletic department facilities have been a game changer for us. From the outside looking in, it may not seem that big of a deal, but I assure you it is. Fueling your body with the proper nutrients and at the right times is a big part of maximizing the players' workouts. This is a direct investment into our student-athletes, and it has been greatly appreciated."
WMU Volleyball Student-Athlete, Logan Case:
"We weren't really sure it was possible," said junior setter for the WMU volleyball team, Logan Case. Case is an officer on WMU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, that helped with the initial idea behind the stations. "We wanted to have smoothies, have meals that we can take for dinner, but we weren't sure if it was possible when we first brought it up. They made it happen so quickly and worked so hard for it. We are just really appreciative of the administration for making it happen."
