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Nittany Lions Plan On Eating, Staying Healthy

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- James Franklin is jealous that energy bars and other assorted snacks weren't around the locker room when he was at East Stroudsburg University while he was in school.

Needless to say, he's all smiles now as they can be found around the Lasch Building.

Penn State recently announced a major commitment toward nutritional benefits for all 31 of their athletic teams at a cost of nearly $750,000. It's being called "Enhanced Fueling Stations." The new measure is joined with a new routine ahead of night games that Franklin is hoping will help his team come game time.

"I think it's great for those guys," Franklin said. "I enjoy the free snacks myself, to be honest with you. The welfare of our student-athletes is a top priority."

Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour added in a previous release, "With the change in the NCAA rules in this area, we are now able to provide enhanced nutritional options for our student-athletes. These stations will not only fuel them on the playing field, but also in the classroom, which is equally as important. We are delighted to bring this new asset to the Penn State student-athlete experience."

Franklin revealed Wednesday, after the Nittany Lions wrapped up their second practice of the week, that a tradition that stretches back as far as Vanderbilt and this past summer's camp at Penn State is being implemented on Saturday mornings ahead of night games.

"We added a new element here where we do a regeneration for night games on Saturday, where they [the players] go and they go through a stretching station and things like that to try and help get their legs back as quick as we possibly can and help with flexibility," Franklin said.

The head coach added the activity run by the strength and conditioning staff has been a hit with his players.

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