Conference Helps Student-Athletes Thrive Mentally, Physically

By ARYA PATEL
COOPERSTOWN

On Thursday, March 6, the Cooperstown Central School Leadership Training for Athletes Program hosted its 10th annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference at the Clark Sports Center and National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

The day-long conference, titled “Respect: It Goes Both Ways,” included students, coaches and athletic directors from 60-plus school districts. More than 400 students attended.

The two speakers, Aaron Hart of Varsity Brands and former NBA player Chris Herren, both offered different motivational perspectives. Hart spoke about the power of being powerful, and Herren discussed the impact of substance abuse and how he overcame his own addictions.

Coupled with the two presentations were workshops for students, coaches and athletic directors.
Workshops for student-athletes were: “Leading the Way: Hot Topics in Athletics,” “SCOPE for Success in Athletics,” “The Third Team on the Field—Who are They and Why are They There,” “Fitness Lab,” “Yoga Flow for Athletes,” “Nutrition for Optimal Performance,” and “RESPECT: It Goes Both Ways!”
The coaches’ workshops were: “Sports Performance for the IPhone Generation,” “Empowering Student-Athlete Leaders: Fostering Positive Climate Change and Enhancing the Interscholastic Experience,” and “The Dimensions of Success,” along with a question and answer session.

Athletic directors attended “A Simple Performance Enhancing Technique: Sleep,” “Why Mental Health Matters in Athletes,” and “Exhibit Encounters,” followed by a meet and greet and tour of the Clark Sports Center facility.

The workshops were presented by community members as well as Section III Student Athlete Advisory Committee members.

According to CCSLTA Program advisor and teacher Monica Wolfe, “The first leadership conference was held in 2016 for the Center State Conference League to bring their schools together to improve sportsmanship and foster a sense of broader community. What began as a conference held at The Otesaga Hotel for the Center State Conference has now grown to encompass school districts from Section II, III and IV.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Matt Phillips, Clark Sports Center, and Stephanie Hazzard, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and for the amazing resources in our community,” Wolfe continued. “Being able to host the conference at the Clark Sports Center and Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is special. School districts love traveling to Cooperstown and experiencing these amazing facilities.”

Wolfe said the core objectives of the conference have remained constant: focusing on student leadership and empowering young leaders to set an example, showcasing the incredible work they’re doing in their districts, and taking on organizational tasks, such as preparing materials, badges, and bags for the event.

“The roles they assume help them build valuable life skills,” Wolfe said. “I am deeply thankful to our presenters for generously sharing their time and expertise, as well as to our sponsors, donors, and everyone who supports the positive impact that student-athletes can have in their schools and communities when they return home.”

The CCSLTA Program is comprised of student-athletes, from sophomores to seniors, who dedicate themselves to their sports as well as to academics. The club was introduced by Wolfe when she came to Cooperstown as an athletic director and physical education teacher.

The student members of the CCSLTA helped throughout the process, Wolfe explained, specifically President Paul Crowell, Vice President Alexis Wolfe and Conference Planner Arya Patel.

“The leadership conference was a great experience as a student-athlete and offered an opportunity to learn valuable skills,” Crowell said.

Students from other districts also found the experience to be valuable.

Senior Analyce Grabowski, from West Canada Valley, explained, “The leadership conference planned by Cooperstown has changed my view on athletics. After this experience I was able to learn more about my athletics and ways to thrive mentally and physically, while also being able to meet other athletes. I would not have had the opportunity otherwise.”

The program was sponsored by: the Clark Sports Center; Section III and IV Athletics; New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Council of Administrators; New York State Public High School Athletic Association; Shattuck Foundation; Section II-Western Athletic Conference; LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions; Section III-Center State Conference; Section III Tri-Valley League; Chobani; Nimey’s New Generation; Bank of Cooperstown; USA Racing; Railroad Inn; CCS Booster Club; NY Pizzeria of Cooperstown; Stagecoach Coffee; D&G Wellness Consulting; Leatherstocking Region FCU; Prime Movement & Performance; Erika’s Lighthouse; Nutrition for Optimal Performance; School Mental Health Resource Training Center; NYS Troopers; Price Chopper; Stewart’s; and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Intern Arya Patel is a junior at Cooperstown Central School.