The Peacock Athletics Department will be participating in the 10th annual Upper Iowa University Giving Days on Mar. 25 and 26. We are prioritizing our Athletic Training fund this year and set a goal of $10,000; this fund goes to the heart of our department, and donations touch every Peacock student-athlete through injury prevention, rehabilitation, and professional development and continuing education for the athletic training staff.
 
Our Athletic Training area is led by five of the best certified Athletic Trainers in the business: Matt Rueckert, Rachel Caspers, Ryan Fonkert, Sarah Rafson, and Georgie Wilson. Our goal is to provide them with tools and resources to not only rehabilitate injuries, shorten the time it takes for our student-athletes to return to competition, and improve our injury prevention resources. Three big items on their wish list include: a true stretch cage, Fringe red light therapy devices, and funding for blood flow restriction training for staff's continuing education.
 

• True Stretch Gage ($2,700 each) - The True Stretch Cage gives a devoted area, off the floor, to stretch prior to or after a workout. We would like to get these placed in our two facilities to help the athletes prepare for workouts and events, utilize a proper cool down, and have a place to routinely work on increasing one's mobility.
   
• Fringe Red Light Therapy Devices ($5,000) - Fringe is a company that makes multiple platforms to utilize red light therapy. Red light therapy is the use of non-thermal light therapy in the visible or near infrared spectrum to stimulate cellular function. It can be used to help with inflammation, pain reduction, enhance wound healing, scar tissue reduction, help with athletic performance through energy production, and recovery. Fringe offers wraps ($229-$269 each), mats ($749 each), panels ($450 each), and a mask ($415 each), which also has blue light used for skin infections.
   
• Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training ($350-$700) - Blood flow restriction is a technique that enhances muscle growth and strength by partially restricting blood flow during low-intensity exercise, mimicking the effects of high-intensity training. We will be able to use this technique for our rehabilitations, especially post-surgical cases who are working hard to build up their strength to normal levels. The staff will also get continuing education units for this training which helps work toward recertification.

This year's University Giving Days will mark the 10th straight fundraising event and will be held on March 25-26. Over the first nine years, this incredible tradition has raised more than $1,000,000, directly benefiting our students and addressing emerging needs across the University.  
 
The Athletic Training Fund is one of nine key priorities for this year's Giving Days. Your gift will help drive the aforementioned transformational enhancements that benefit all student-athletes. This fundraising event has the potential to further elevate their experience and provide the resources they need to excel.

Returning again this year, supporters can also choose any University designation that means the most to you! This means all of our sports programs, as well as the Peacock Athletics Fund, Strength and Conditioning Fund, and the Student-Athlete Development Fund are available to receive a gift during the University Giving Days.
 
Adding to the excitement, Giving Days coincide with National Peacock Day on March 25 - a perfect time to show your Peacock pride!  
 
Why wait? Early gifts are encouraged and all donors will be recognized during the event at uiu.edu/GivingDays.
 
Join us in supporting the health, safety, and success of every Peacock student-athlete.