Nutritionists, physical therapists, bodybuilders, and doctors, will all agree on one fact, the importance of diets. As a D2 school, our athletes need to make sure they are fueling their bodies. Grueling hours of physical work including practices, games, and lifts; along with mental strain due to taking classes and having jobs can take a toll on an individual’s body. At the end of the day, the priority is always the athlete’s well-being before anything else. In fact besides sleep, which I can assure you no college student is getting enough of, food is the biggest energy source. Throughout the hustle and bustle of the day, students rely on quick and hearty meals to keep them full and running all day long. Although Kessel includes a variety of different cuisines and options, I was interested in what was truly fueling our athletes. 

After several interviews and polls, the most visited station throughout Kessel was unanimously, “The Grill.” Eggs seemed to be a go-to among every athletic team. Low-carb, low-calorie, and nutritious, eggs are an absolute staple and yet made in several different ways. The baseball and football team included several players who swore by a good ol’ bacon, egg and cheese. Those who wanted the extra energy from carbohydrates from the day chose to put it on a croissant or bagel, even adding a hash brown. The girls soccer team seemed to be more conscious of the ingredients they were using, adding that they put it on a whole grain wrap. Omelets were the next go-to, with add-ins including anything from spinach and mushrooms, to steak and mozzarella cheese. 

Boar’s Head was also a popular choice, as the protein options are vast. An assortment of deli sandwiches and wrap concoctions seemed to be a quick and easy grab at any time. Chicken was often the meat of choice on wraps for the basketball players. Lastly, the Pasta station seemed to be a favorite during dinner time. Loaded with carbs, vegetables, and protein, this meal was considered filling enough to help them finish their day. One baseball player added his staple was pasta with chicken, sausage, broccoli, peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese to top it off. Although the sushi station wasn’t everyone’s top choice a few softball girls added that sushi bowls always hit the spot; the rice, vegetables, and assortment of raw fish fueling them for many innings.

My findings displayed that protein was always the most important priority for our Setters. Protein is what repairs and strengthens muscle tissue, and is what allows our athletes to thrive on and off the field. So next time you are passing the drink fridge, and the entire fridge of Core Power Protein drinks are empty, we now know who the culprits are. Yet, I think we would all agree that a protein shortage is a small price to pay to ensure our school is home to champions.