"The alarm rings bright and early -- 6 a.m. arrives way too fast. The day has begun. Out of bed and rush to a 6:30 strength training session -- can't be late. What a way to start the day. Workout is finished and now off to class. Classes go until 1 p.m. and then a quick lunch -- whatever happened to breakfast? After lunch, there is just enough time to grab a short nap before going to the training room for treatment. Treatment is complete and it's time for practice. Practice is intense, but the hard work is worth it. After practice, a rinse in the shower leaves just enough time for dinner before study hall. Then finally, home for a little relaxation -- maybe I'll call Mom."

A student-athlete's schedule is hectic. Time is precious and balance is the secret ingredient. The focus is on achieving the highest level in the classroom as well as on the playing field. Yet very often, key components of optimal performance -- such as proper rest and nutrition -- are neglected.

Because of time constraints, meals, especially breakfast, are skipped or replaced by an "energy bar," and fast food becomes a major food group. In order for this to change, nutrition must become important to the student-athlete as well as the entire athletics department.

Nutrition education for athletes and coaches is needed. Student-athletes must understand the value of proper nutrition, as well as the potential problems in supplementation. The Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee feels strongly that nutritional education and making healthy eating a priority is important. Education can be achieved in seminars, individual team discussions or simply educational handouts.

The committee does not believe that increasing the use of training tables is an answer to this problem. Although the concept of training tables is good, the reality is training tables often are limited to a small number of teams and do not always provide a more nutritious meal. Another problem with this idea is that a team meal is not a true reflection of the "team" because nonscholarship athletes do not participate. In order to make an impact on all student-athletes, an overall attitude change toward fueling for performance is needed.

Ultimately, the student-athlete must take responsibility for his or her own body; however, these decisions are made easier when the proper resources are provided. For example, team meals on away trips and at training tables should be a reflection of this priority by providing healthy food choices before and after competition. The issue of nutrition needs to be addressed with a collaborative effort from the student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

Cortney Cutchall is a member of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a SAAC representative on the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.