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OGDEN, Utah (May 31, 2016) - The Big Sky Conference will be hosting its third annual “Student-Athlete Mental Health-and-Wellness Symposium,” on the campus of Weber State University, on Wednesday, June 8.
This year’s symposium will feature presentations on student-athlete wellness, with a specific focus on sleep habits, and the impact on overall health and performance in student-athletes.
The symposium will also feature an update from the NCAA Sports Science Institute, on its latest efforts in developing strategic initiatives regarding student-athlete wellness, and overall public health.
The symposium, held in conjunction with the league’s annual spring meetings, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Elizabeth Hall Room 229, at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.
“The Big Sky Conference is committed to leading the conversation surrounding the mental health of student-athletes, and the various components that factor in,” said Jaynee Nadolski, Big Sky associate commissioner. “Because we have the support of our Presidents and administrators, we have been able to continuously bring in dynamic thought-leaders of this important topic.”
A pair of researchers from the University of Arizona - Dr. Michael Grandner and Dr. Amy Athey - will be two of the featured presenters on the subject of sleep and health in athletics. The NCAA’s Dr. Brian Hainline will provide an update on the organization’s strategic
student-athlete health initiatives.
Big Sky Conference commissioner Doug Fullerton said the symposium is a result of student-athlete wellness being a top priority in the “Heart of the American West.”
“The Big Sky Conference is committed to student-athletes, and committed to improving the wellness of student-athletes, regardless of whether they are in our league,” said Fullerton. “We invite anyone associated with student-athletes, or with athletics in general, to attend this event at Weber State University.”
Grandner is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, while Athey is the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology Services for the University of Arizona athletic department. The duo were recently awarded an NCAA Research and Innovation Grant to continue their study on the impact of sleep in the mental health and performance of student-athletes.
Hainline is the Chief Medical Officer for the NCAA, and oversees the NCAA Sports Science Institute. The institute’s mission is to promote and develop safety, excellence and wellness in college student-athletes. Hainline’s presentation will provide an update on the focus of concussion, mental health and cardiovascular care of athletes.
The free event is open to the public, and college and high school athletic administrators, coaches and counselors are encouraged to attend.
“The mental health needs of collegiate student-athletes start before they ever set foot on campus, which is why we are excited to offer this event free to the public,” said Nadolski.