Hanover
The athletic department’s DP2 program, which seeks to maximize performance through ways as various as nutrition, strength and conditioning, academic help and leadership training, has recently opened a “snack bar” of sorts on the Berry Center’s ground floor.
In the same space where fans can buy less healthy fare such as hot dogs, candy and soda during basketball and volleyball games, DP2 now offers morning and afternoon slots of roughly an hour each during which athletes can drop by. Smoothies, fruit, nuts, cheese sticks, hard-boiled eggs and energy bars are some offerings, but notes are being taken on what works best and is most often chosen, said Drew Galbraith, a Big Green senior associate athletic director and the man who oversees DP2.
“We’re going to figure out how often we need to change things so the students stay interested in what we’re providing,” said Galbraith, who noted that only Dartmouth and Cornell among the eight Ivy League schools have dedicated refueling areas. “It’s not meant to be a meal replacement, just supplemental calories. It’s pretty simplistic, but hopefully we’re helping them to have a better day. We know how hard they work.”
Long gone are the times when Division I athletes were only overseen in-season. Now, it’s pretty much a 12-month effort and much of the work takes place before and after classes, which generally run in the 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. window. Because Dartmouth has one dining hall and it’s a 10-minute walk from the athletic complex, students who work out in the early morning or who have class during lunchtime hours can be faced with a time crunch that affects eating.
“Guys skimp because they don’t have time,” said football coach Buddy Teevens, who successfully pushed for the dining hall to offer all-you-can-eat options for his players several years ago. “They’re so compressed on time, so getting some protein in them within a half hour after their workout is a tremendous benefit.”
Galbraith and his staff must navigate Byzantine NCAA and Ivy League rules when it comes to what they are and are not allowed to provide athletes. Two years ago, he said, Dartmouth could offer bagels, but not anything to spread on them. The NCAA currently allows protein shakes to be dispensed, but the Ivy League does not. Staff members can recommend whey protein, but can’t provide it.
Galbraith said his department is serving an average of about 170 athletes per day. No position was added to handle the snack bars, so everyone on the DP2 staff, including Galbraith, takes turns. There may be 400 students working out in and around Floren Varsity House one day, and half that the next. It all depends on team schedules.
“We looked into doing (the snack bar) in Floren, but didn’t because of cleanliness and food prep issues,” Galbraith said. “Now, we’re 300 steps out of the way, but every student has said it’s amazing and will take the detour.”
Football kicker David Smith may not be lifting enormous weight, but he’s one of the team’s fittest athletes. The Canadian said he likes the snack bar, and is interested to see how it evolves.
“It’s still in its beta phase in terms of what they offer and when they offer it,” Smith said. “The premise to refuel through smoothies or approved snacks is a good thing, and better than guys going back to their dorm and getting a bag of chips. Berry Center is perfect because it’s right there when we walk out after lifting and are on our way to or from class.”
Tris Wykes can be reached at twykes@vnews.com or 603-727-3227.