Athens Track & Field Wins Milk Grant

The Troy Athens High School track and field team was recently awarded a chocolate milk grant from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. The team is using chocolate milk as their recovery beverage during this season because it contains the right three to one mix of carbohydrates and protein scientifically shown to help refuel muscles. In fact, it helps restore muscles quickly to their peak potential and helps replenish what the body has lost during exercise.

The Athens track and field coaching staff were grateful for the grant.

“Our workouts are hard, so as a staff we make recovery a high priority,” coach Tom Cook said. “Chocolate milk helps our athletes start the recovery process after a workout and can help reduce the risk of injury. The grant helps us keep our athletes safe and healthy.”

“We are always emphasizing proper nutrition with our student athletes,” coach Shawn DuFresne added. “Our athletes are now even more conscious of their food choices, and how their decisions relate to a healthy lifestyle.”

The track and field teams are led by senior captains Aronor Chisholm, Andrew Dionisio, Anthony Kapala, Dean Kapala, Sydney Kott, James Lee, Nathania Nartey, Ryan Meitzner, Tristyn Phillips, and Le-Thi Stephens, as well as junior captains Hannah DiGiovanni and Malina Dumitrascu.

“Chocolate milk is the perfect recovery drink after my workouts,” Chisholm said.

“Chocolate milk after practice every day has been amazing,” Lee said.

“Having milk after each workout is a godsend, and it certainly brightens my day,” Dean Kapala said.

Grant recipients were encouraged to raise funds for a food bank to purchase milk, one of the most requested items, and the team recently donated $350 to the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry located at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy. The pantry, which relies on donations of the parish and the local community, assists all city residents.

“This will help our Troy families who are in need of help to supply nutrient milk for their families,” Kim Houseman, Christian Service Director at St. Anastasia, said. “Usually we are unable to offer milk due to lack of funds. This donation is very generous and unexpected, and it will be greatly appreciated.”

The runners were happy to contribute.

"I could not be prouder of our team for raising money for such a great cause,” Stephens said. “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of a program that values teamwork not just within track and field, but the teamwork it takes to help our community and support them as much as we can.”

“I was super excited to find out we raised so much for the community,” Kott said. “I always love it when we are able to support those around us.”

“I'm so honored we're able to give back to our community through this fundraiser,” Nartey said. “Athens and the community have given us so much, and I'm glad we're able to pay it forward.”

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Photos courtesy of the Troy School District

SAME CAPTION can be used for picture 1 or picture 2: Troy Athens High School track and field captains recently presented a monetary donation raised by the team to Fr. Steve Wertanen, pastor, and parish receptionist Florence Parent of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy, where the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry is housed. From left to right: senior Nathania Nartey, senior Le-Thi Stephens, junior Hannah DiGiovanni, senior Sydney Kott, (Florence Parent and Fr. Steve Wertanen), senior James Lee, senior Andrew Dionisio, senior Anthony Kapala, senior Ryan Meitzner, and senior Dean Kapala (not pictured: senior Aronor Chisholm, junior Malina Dumitrascu, and senior Tristyn Phillips).