2021 Rutgers Making a Champion Guide

ONE-STOP-SHOP The APC’s easy access to resources and services, beyond the typical practice and training spaces (such as massage tables, nutritious meals, and medical services), has paid off. “Before [the APC], we had to make five or six different stops and it made the university seem too big to take on,” explains Coach Salim-Beasley. “Having everything in one place is the biggest game changer.” Cumulatively, the time saved from moving between (e.g.) the film room, the Strength and Conditioning Room, and the trainer adds up. David Van Dyke, the Assistant Athletics Director for Strength and Conditioning, estimates that they are able to garner an additional fifteen minutes a day with each student-athlete—and that time difference makes a difference. “If you give me fifteen minutes before 80% of practices,” he explains, “that’s half a season of strength training.” Scott Goodale, the Men’s Wrestling Coach, put it even more simply: “This facility has allowed the guys to put in a lot more time.” Working within NCAA requirements regarding student-athlete engagement with coaches, the greater efficiencies afforded by the new APC has reduced the down-time and travel-time that used to clutter up a student-athlete’s day, maximizing the time available to practice and for training, rest, and recovery. The advantages of being under one roof go beyond saving time. Through the Nutrition Center and Training Table, student-athletes are eating healthier and more regularly, and are connecting with one another more. Also, because student-athletes’ days are so heavily scripted, the greater efficiencies allow them moments here and there that add up to make their lives so much better. While it can be a challenge for some student-athletes to participate in campus/student life, the APC’s relationship to the Livingston campus and its proximity to the Student Store gives the student-athletes a greater connection to the rest of student life and the Rutgers experience. Beyond benefiting the student-athletes, the APC also creates opportunities for knowledge sharing among the coaching and medical staff, which is another huge benefit. Coach Goodale finds that having the opportunity to engage with his peers is a huge plus of the new facility. He explains, “I’m surrounded by Hall of Fame coaches every day. It’s been great to pick their brains.” In addition, certain areas of the building have become known as crossroads that allow for casual and unscripted moments when one can “bump into” colleagues, where informal exchange and collaboration occur. For instance, the Nutrition Center and Training Table as well as the second floor lobby are two locations where such impromptu encounters take place. Coaches also spoke of intentionally working across teams, such as when the head coach of Women’s Basketball was invited to address the Men’s Basketball team in the wake of the shooting of Breonna Taylor. Drawing upon the diverse experiences of various teams’ coaching staff helps not just with athletic performance, but the social and emotional development of student-athletes as complete individuals. The opportunities created by the APC for the exchange of ideas and information helps create a culture that benefits all. “Everything is well organized and structured; whatever you need is right at your fingertips. So grateful for this building.” Rutgers University Student-Athlete 24 RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center Perkins Eastman