New additions to Alma College Sherman facility

MEGAN NEELEY
COPY EDITOR

11/20/2023

The Sherman Strength and Conditioning Facility – the hub of Alma College’s student-athletes – has evolved in recent years and received some fresh updates from which all athletes will have the opportunity to further their athletic performance.

Athletes can look forward to the “new multi-station that features [eight] weight stacks with adjustable pulleys, seated calf station, seated chest supported row station, [a] concept [two] bike erg, additional dumbbells… [and] a variety of specialty bars,” said Fletcher Roberts, Director of Sports Performance at Alma College.

Like other athletes, Kylie Demarets (‘25) is “enjoying the new equipment such as the safety bars and the Eleiko open bar for deadlifts.” 

Along with new equipment, the organizational aspect of the Sherman has been improved with a new desk for coaches and athletes and “more economical storage systems,” said Roberts.

“All of this was made possible by various donors, administration, our student-athletes participating in fundraising efforts and Alma College facilities,” said Roberts.

While it is great to see the advancement of the Sherman on campus, the impact of the additions would be peripheral if it weren’t for Roberts dedicating his time to safely and effectively coaching and conditioning student-athletes.

Old and new athletes find working under Roberts to be very beneficial for their performance. “Any questions I may have, Fletcher goes above and beyond to answer. He pushes me to be the best athlete in the weight room while having a positive attitude,” said Demarets.

Similarly, Douglas Morris (‘25) believes Roberts has aided him in his wrestling performance. “With his program, I feel stronger and have more energy out on the mat… He has inspired me in many ways,” said Morris.

“I enjoy coaching individuals that are dedicated [and] I enjoy helping someone that is a ‘newbie,’ and watching the progress they make,” said Roberts.

Roberts is an Alma College alumnus with a long-developed, deep-rooted passion for the work he does and the initiative to continue his knowledge for student-athletes. “During my time as a senior at Alma, I began working with the wrestling and volleyball teams through IPHS and Dr. Ball… I am currently pursuing [a] Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning at Logan University,” said Roberts.

Roberts encourages athletes to “stay consistent, stay patient, give your best effort, be coachable and trust that our coaches have your best interest in mind. Rome was not built in a day.”

Roberts emphasized athletes are not alone in their college athletics journey, especially concerning strength and conditioning. “Avoid programming for yourself. We have several coaches with strong backgrounds in training athletes and they can take the programming portion off your plate,” said Roberts.

“There are a lot of things online that only show a snapshot of what that athlete or team has done. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ Do not worry about what someone else is doing or what is happening at such and such college,” said Roberts. 

Ultimately, the Sherman has received generous updates, enhanced by the ambition of Roberts that leaves student-athletes, like Morris, feeling inspired to “push [their] limits every day.”