Penn State Behrend Champs Life Skills Program 2007 Schedule
CHAMPS: Challenging Athletic Minds for Personal Success
Purpose: Development of life skills in the areas of academics, athletics, personal development, career development, and commitment to service.
The CHAMPS program started at Penn State Behrend in 2002 and is supported by the NCAA. The program is funded by PSB Athletics and the NCAA; there is a limited budget but CHAMPS manages to get what they need because the Behrend administration is very willing to help student-athletes. The coaching staff is very supportive. Student athletes have been receptive to programming; a trend which Athletics hopes will continue. The program was developed to enhance the student-athlete's intellectual development and preparation for success in life, to meet the needs of student-athletes, promote respect for diversity, and build self esteem.
CHAMPS is administered by a committee of the Athletic Director, CHAMPS Coordinator, and a contingent of Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) members. SAAC is a committee made up of athletes from all varsity sports.
CHAMPS was created in 1991 by the NCAA Foundation and Division 1A Athletics Directors Association and later offered to all NCAA members in 1994. CHAMPS/Life Skills is overseen by the NCAA Education Outreach staff.
The NCAA provides resources and grants to address each of the five disciplines listed in the purpose statement. At PSB, CHAMPS committee members determine the needs of the student athletes and develop programming to affect the students positively. For example, in the 2003-2004 academic year, leadership and self esteem/self respect issues were brought to the attention of the staff members. Staff determined that there was a need to have speakers brought in to address issues and to use the excellent resources offered throughout the PSB and Erie communities.
Here are Some Highlights
? In September 2003 Mike Green spoke with freshman and sophomore athletes about drugs and alcohol. Green is a "regular" on the speakers' circuit and his no-nonsense straight-in-your-face presentation really got the students eating out of the palms of his hands; he grabbed their attention and "kept it real" for them for nearly two hours. Positive feedback by the student-athletes indicated that he would be an asset to have speak every few years, and possibly present to the entire student body.
? In the fall of 2004, Penn State Behrend, with a grant from the NCAA, brought Rebecca Butler from "Equal Connections" spoke about her personal story of sexual assault and how each student and student-athlete is affected by decisions and personal choices. This speaking engagement was open to all of PSB faculty, staff, and students. There were over 200 student-athletes in attendance.
? In November, 2004, a sports psychologist/consultant presented on topics such as leadership and motivation and helped create programming for the PSB student-athletes and the coaching staff. Spring term, 2005, programming is related to career objectives, nutritional needs, and a commitment to service. These topics are addressed through programming about community services in Erie and the service commitment by student-athletes which include participation in the county-wide Special Olympics-which PSB holds every year at the Junker Athletic Center.
2007-2008 SCHEDULE:
December 4
Janet Judge, Esq.
Janet Judge will present a discussion on the impact of
online postings on sites such as facebook.com and myspace.com.
Judge will share real life cases regarding drug and alcohol use,
team hazing and initiations, loss of athletic eligibility, etc.
Through discussion and interactive training Judge will help
student-athletes think about their role on campus and their own
peronal choices. MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR ALL FRESHMAN AND
SOPHOMORE STUDENT-ATHLETES.
Presentation at 7:00 p.m. in Science Building Room 101.
January 17
Dr. Aimee Kimball, Sports Psychologist
Dr. Kimball is the Director of Mental Training for UPMC Center
for Sports Medicine. She has worked with professional, collegiate,
and high school athletes including work with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Her lecture will include discussion on
creating a peak performance mindset, managing stress as a student-athlete,
team-building, and leadership.
Presentation at 7:00 p.m. in REDC
February TBA
Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., Director of
Sports Medicine Nutrition Program
Bonci is the Director of Sports Medicine Nutrition Program
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System. She has worked with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Pitt Panthers. Bonci is also an editor for Training & Conditioning Magazine, writes and
consults for the NBC Today Show and Runner's World
Magazine. She will present on pregame & post game meals, how to maintain or lose weight before and after playing seasons, and special topics such as diabetes and the Female Athlete Triad.
Presentation
at 7:30 p.m. in the REDC Lecture Hall Room 180.
April 6
National
Student-Athlete Day
Speaker TBA
Time and location TBA
April 27
Special Olympics
(Athlete Service Commitment)
Event from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Junker Athletic Center