Espino, BS Sports Science interns participate in exchange program in California Baptist University

Last March 21, 2016, four (4) BS Sports Science interns, namely Jessica Tomilloso, Jake Tomilloso, Ma. Angelica Garcia and Jose Karmel Inacay, together with the Chair of the Department of Sports Science of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Mr. Reil Vinard Espino, CSCS, MSHMS, MTAI, went to California Baptist University in Riverside, California, USA to have the first-ever Sports Science Internship Exchange Program between the University of Santo Tomas and California Baptist University – College of Health Science. With the successful initial exchange program with the said institution in mid-2015, California Baptist University invited and hosted the same program of activities on their part. The said exchange program lasted until April 15, 2016, and during the program, the Interns underwent extensive training in the different fields of Sports Science and were exposed to the current Sports Science system and practice in the US.

During their first week of stay in the US, the group was welcomed by the administrators of the California Baptist University – College of Health Science and was given a tour around the campus, in which the group was brought to the different facilities and landmarks of the university, which showcased the rich history and culture of the university. The following days of the first and succeeding weeks were spent at the following centers:

1. CBU’s Athletes Performance Center, the main training facility of CBU athletes competing in the NCAA. Here, the group were able to observe how the strength and conditioning coaches of CBU, headed by Coach Chris Bates, conducted and facilitate the training of their athletes as well as how they coordinate with the different departments, specifically the Athletic Training Clinic and Nutrition Department, in order to have a holistic approach in maximizing the potential of their athletes.
2. The group was able to sit in some of the classes of the College of Health Science, they were able to attend and participate in the Exercise Prescription Class of Dr. Amy Miller, Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Interventions and Emergencies in Athletic Training by Lisa Friesen and Dr. Jodi Dickert and Exercise Physiology Class of Dr. Trevor Gillum.
3. Athletic Training Clinic, the main center for CBU athletes rehabilitating and recovering from injuries. Here, the UST group was able to assist the athletic trainers of CBU in managing the exercises and rehabilitation protocols of their athletes.
4. Dr. Margaret Barth, Chair for Nutrition Department of CBU, invited the group to attend the monthly research meeting and they were given the opportunity to present the University of Santo Tomas and the CRS’ Sports Science Program. They were also given the opportunity to work with the nutrition students of CBU and participate in some of their research projects. During the last session, the UST students were required to present some of the data they gathered for the research focusing mainly on the hydration levels of athletes.
5. Two (2) UST students were also able to observe and work with the research projects of the CBU’s Graduate Assistants on testing the reliability and validity of a machine designed by an engineering company in the US, which primarily checks the hydration level of athletes using skin sensors. They are comparing the results of the machine with the gold standard test protocols for checking the hydration level of athletes during training and competition.
6. The UST group also had the chance to meet the student representatives of CBU – College of Health Science, where plans and future collaborations were discussed. They have also exchanged some ideas and similarities of how UST and CBU handle their classes.