Pioneers Shine in AMCC Mental Health 5k

Gavin Bathgate, David Benson, and Calum Houper all were top performers as Alfred State student-athletes competed in the AMCC Mental Health 5k. As an athletic department, Alfred State had the most participants as 135 students and staff registered for the event put together to bring mental health awareness during these uncertain times.

Bathgate recorded a time of 16:22 to claim the top time of any of the over 400 participants. Benson led men's soccer participants with a time of 18:21 and Houper led wrestlers with a time of 21:09.

The AMCC encouraged everyone to promote self-care by getting outside, eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and having fun! The race was open to all student-athletes currently enrolled at AMCC full and affiliate member schools, along with AMCC athletic administrators, FARs, coaches, and athletic trainers.

In addition, the conference is providing a series of free mental health programs.  Student-athletes have free access to a series of online resources from mental health advocate Ivy Watts. "You Are Not Alone" is a series of mental health support modules for COVID-19 and beyond.   The AMCC is also providing coaches and captains with access to specialized mental health and sport psychology training conducted by Dr. Chris Siuta, Director of the Hilbert College Counseling Center. Click here for additional NCAA Mental Health Resources. 

Overall, there were 418 participants in the 5K, with 355 of those being student-athletes. Additionally, there were four athletic directors, eight senior woman administrators, two faculty athletic representatives, six sports information directors, four athletic trainers, 34 coaches, two administrative staff members, and two conference staff members. 

Parts of release taken from the AMCC release - read the full release here: https://www.amccsports.org/general/2020-21/Releases/AMCC_5K_Recap