Diet and hydration

Eating a well balanced diet is very vital towards the performance of a competitive athlete.  For this reason, on game days competitors eat a much more focused diet that will help their performance. 

Hydration and a balanced diet are what make a great athlete, “[on game days] usually I just eat really healthy, typically sandwiches or high protein snacks to keep me full throughout the day.  Also I drink a lot of water,” senior Josh Long said. 

According to Penn State athletic studies, water is the single most important nutrient within the body and directly leads to athletic success.  The most talented athlete is simply average if they become dehydrated.  To compete to the best of an athlete’s abilities it is essential that they intake enough water throughout the day.

Water is very important to coaches and athletes, “I drink a lot of water because it keeps me healthy and gives me energy for the game,” Long said.

Coaches take this very seriously and want their athletes physically prepared in every form before events.  Drinking water is a vital part of that preparation and athletes will not be successful if they don’t continue to drink water throughout the day leading up to the game.