WORCESTER, Mass. - The 97 members of the Holy Cross football team are staying up in Worcester this summer to work out together. One of the challenges they face in trying to get bigger, faster and stronger is nutrition and eating enough every day to fuel their bodies and eating healthy so they can preform at their peak.
Big schools like Boston College, who Holy Cross plays in week two of the season, have a cafeteria that is open to the players all day, so they can get all the food they need. At Holy Cross, the players have to cook and shop for themselves. They get nutritioin advice from director of strength and conditioning Chris Grautski, but they have to do it all on their own.
"Nutrition is probably the secret weapon when it comes to your training," Grautski said. "No matter what you're doing, if you're working out and you're not taking care of nutrition, you're not going to get full benefit. Coach Chesney set up a really unique thing through our dining hall, the chefs came down and taught the guys how to prepare a few meals on their own."
The players have taken Grautski's advice to heart, making sure they're eating well so they can perform at their best.
"I'm still on the Grautski diet that I started last summer," said linebacker Jacob Dobbs. "He's amazing from a nutrition standpoint. He gives us so many great tools and tips to be better in the kitchen. To be as healthy as possible, you have to put the right fuel in your body."
"Me personally, it's not challenge for me," said cornerback Devin Haskins. "I love cooking. If I could cook every meal for myself, I would. Honestly, Grautski tells us what to eat."