(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Athletic Department kicked off the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program in Lysaker Gymnasium on Wednesday, August 26. The U of M, Crookston is one of 34 institutions that have been selected to participate in the program during the 2009-10 year.

The program is offered to incoming freshmen and transfer students. It is held every Wednesday at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through December 9. Topics covered include, time management, study skills, sportsmanship, nutrition, community engagement projects, stress management, etc.

U of M, Crookston Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Natasha Kuhle attended the 2009 NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Orientation Conference held on February 8-10, 2009 in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is coordinated on 627 campuses and conference offices nationwide. It was created to support the student-athlete development initiatives of NCAA member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context of higher education.

In the process of achieving this mission, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will:
•  Promote student-athletes' ownership of their academic, athletic, career, personal and community responsibilities.     
•  Meet the changing needs of student-athletes.            
•  Promote respect for diversity and inclusion among student-athletes.            
•  Assist student-athletes in identifying and applying transferable skills.            
•  Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education.     
•  Foster an environment that encourages student-athletes to effectively access campus resources.             
•  Encourage the development of character, integrity and leadership skills.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Photo: Golden Eagle student-athletes try to untangle themselves from the human knot, a game used to build teamwork and communication.