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2011-12 Fairfield University Athletics
Student-Athletes
T
he Strength and Conditioning Center is a 4,700-square foot facility located in the Walsh
Athletic Center for exclusive use by student-athletes. The facility, one of the best in the
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), is designed to meet the changing needs of
today's student-athletes and is staffed with a full-time strength and conditioning coach. A
quality strength and conditioning program is an integral part of Fairfield's athletic programs
and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Mark Spellman is responsible for supervising,
developing, and implementing workouts for all varsity athletes. Coach Spellman's programs
reach team and individual performance goals. Coach Spellman, a nationally certified condi-
tioning specialist, supervises the University's varsity weight room. His goal is to decrease the
potential for injuries while developing athletes who are stronger, faster, more powerful, flex-
ible, and metabolically efficient. Each year, teams are placed on sport-specific, periodical
training programs and Spellman works closely with the Sports Medicine Department to pro-
vide individualized attention to athletes who have specific needs or require injury rehabilita-
tion.
T
he Sports Medicine Department at Fairfield University is a vital part of the student-ath-
lete experience. The sports medicine facility is located in the Walsh Athletic Center, with
a staff comprised of five Nationally Certified Athletic Trainers, including three full-time
and two graduate assistant trainers.
Director of Sports Medicine, Mark Ayotte, supervises the day-to-day activities for more
than 500 student-athletes in 20 intercollegiate athletic programs. Under his guidance, the
sports medicine staff works with student-athletes by providing information and techniques
for proper conditioning and nutrition. The staff also supervises and conducts any physical
therapy and rehabilitation protocols that a student-athlete may have to follow to safely return
to competition.
Additionally, the department has an extensive support staff consisting of a variety of first-
rate medical and health professionals. Members of this support staff include: a group of
orthopedic physicians, dentists, a plastic surgeon, neurologists, a dermatologist, cardiolo-
gists, an ophthalmologist, a sports psychologist, a sports nutritionist and physical thera-
pists. These dedicated individuals provide an invaluable service to injured or ill student-ath-
letes and are readily-available for consultations.
T
he Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-ath-
letes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also
offer input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives at
Fairfield. Each varsity team is represented by at least one student-athlete and may be eligi-
ble to serve on the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Additionally, the SAAC is very
involved with giving back to the community. The members participate in the Relay For Life,
and sponsor toy drives along with other volunteer work.
Strength & Conditioning
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Sports Medicine