Men's Golf | 7/28/2011 9:27:00 AM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - "Advice from Monarchs for Monarchs" is a summer series of advice from former Methodist University student-athletes. The alumni share some words of wisdom for current Monarchs as they reflected on their own collegiate career.

Jered Gusso was a successful member of the Methodist men's golf team before graduating in 2001. During his time withe the Monarchs he was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection and won medalist honors twice at the Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship. He was a two-time First Team All-American in both 2000 and 2001 and was named an All-America Scholar as a senior. He helped the team to a runner-up finish in 2000. After graduation Gusso turned pro and played on several mini tours.

It's been 10 years now since I walked the halls of Methodist University. My time spent at MU as a student-athlete was a chapter in my life that I wouldn't trade for the world. But, like most 19 and 20 year old college students I took for granted my own health. As an athlete on the #1 Ranked golf Team in the nation we were held to high expectations and we maximized the amount of time we could practice and play. However, I never once thought about how I treated my body would affect how I performed at a tournament or in a match.

Now, after a six year career playing professional golf, and four years of teaching golf in the Florida heat, I realize how sleep habits and poor nutrition can affect my performance. I firmly believe that if I had put more emphasis on maintaining a consistent sleep routine and a healthy diet, I would have performed at a higher level in golf as well as in my academics. 

In all sports there is a level of stamina that must be maintained in order to complete a game at the top level. Stamina is directly affected by your nutrition, sleep habits, and hydration leading up to and during the competition. Therefore, you must take the necessary steps with nutrition to keep your body working at the highest level. After graduating from MU, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a nutritionist/trainer who changed my life and my diet. I learned simple tips on how to eat healthy, take vitamins, stay hydrated, and get rest. I took his advice and implemented a plan to change my diet, take a multi-vitamin and drink more water, and after a month or so I could really notice the difference in how I felt and my performance level.   

Being a student-athlete is demanding in all respects of your life. You are expected to study, practice, play, and maintain a healthy social life. It can be extremely demanding on your body and you should make sure you take care of yourself.   You only get one shot at being a student-athlete make it your best!