SRU exercise science workshops help students explore careers
Slippery Rock University alumnus Christian Williams, ’17, talked to students about how we started his own business, Archery Strong, at a recent Resistance Training Workshop hosted by the SRU Exercise Science Department.
Feb. 13, 2024
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — There's a lot more to the Resistance Training Workshops at Slippery Rock University than getting stronger. SRU's Exercise Science Department is hosting a series of workshops where alumni and student interns host lectures and hands-on activities related to exercise science professions. Attendees learn everything from techniques and skills to the divergent career paths and starting a business. There's even a fundraising component to the workshops to support local charities.
"When I first came to SRU, I thought exercise science was about following a track, like becoming a physical therapist," said Brooke Wisniewski, a senior exercise science major from Reading. "Having the alumni come here helps students see that you don't have to be pre-PT to major in exercise science. You can go a different route and have different careers than the norm."
The first presenter was a perfect example. Christian Williams, a 2017 SRU graduate with a degree in exercise science, talked to a group of students, Feb. 6, about how he founded Archery Strong, a business combining his background with sports injury and performance and his love of archery. Williams started Archery Strong in 2018 after beginning a career in a clinical setting as a movement and corrective exercise specialist. Today, Williams works with more than 60 archers to help them relieve pain, prevent injury and improve performance.
"I am grateful for the opportunity I had to present to exercise science students at SRU because as young adults, we're all trying to find our way in our career field and in the bigger picture of life," said Williams, who resides in Curwensville but works with archery clients across the country. "I wanted to give the students a relatable perspective and the tools to help them in their journey. It was an excellent opportunity to give back and be involved with the students.
Wisniewski and Sydney Patrick, a senior exercise science major from Greensburg, are both interns in SRU's Exercise Science Department. They organized the workshop series, along with help from other SRU students and faculty.
The next workshop is 3:30 p.m., March 5, in Patterson Hall, Room 215, featuring Toria Crispin, '18, the director of business operations at Union Fitness in Pittsburgh. She will talk about her career and powerlifting techniques, forms, rules and gear. There will be another workshop, 3:30 p.m., April 9, featuring SRU Department of Athletics strength and conditioning interns.
The workshops are free and open to the public, but they are also being used to help raise funds for nonprofit organizations. These organizations include the James K. Eng Pro Bono Clinic, a student-run pro-bono physical therapy clinic in Slippery Rock that serves the underinsured and underserved local community members, and Lawrence County Comfort Canines, a volunteer organization of certified therapy dogs that provide animal-assisted intervention to human service agencies.
More information about SRU's exercise science programs is available on the department's webpage, by calling 724.738.4864 or by emailing exercise.science@sru.edu. More information about the charities is available at each event or by contacting the department.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu