ENID, OK - A new nutrition program for the Enid Plainsmen football program is expected to help players excel on the field and learn healthy food habits for life.
Beginning this season, the Enid Nutrition Alliance program provides players with a protein-packed breakfast on Saturday mornings, while they watch and evaluate video of the previous night’s game. In addition to providing meals, organizers plan to expand the program to include nutrition education and training.
Funding for the program’s first year was provided by the family of the late Jim Trojan, a longtime Plainsmen fan and volunteer, through a partnership with the Enid Public School Foundation. More than 100 ninth- through 12th- grade players are expected to benefit.
“This program meets so many needs for our players and our program,” Plainsmen Head Coach Cameron Conder said. “Many students face food insecurity and don’t have regular access to nutritious food, especially over the weekend. We also want our players to understand how to fuel their bodies for success and to develop life-long, positive eating habits. We are grateful to the Trojan family for seeing this need and helping to address it.”
According to Amy Thielke, her family – mom, Anita and brothers, Ryan and Brandon – helped create the program to make a difference for athletes and to continue the good work modeled for them by their father throughout his life.
“My father, Jim Trojan, believed in selflessly serving others. It’s something that was instilled in him at a very early age, and he taught us to do the same,” she said. “Our family has always been invested in Enid Public Schools and Enid football. I was an athletic trainer, my brothers played and my mom was a high school counselor. My father volunteered his time as a booster club member and mentor, impacting the lives of countless players. This program is an excellent way for us honor his legacy and continue his great work.”
The Trojan family hopes the program will continue to grow. Alumni members, parents, businesses and community members are encouraged to donate to the cause to ensure its sustainability in future years. They would also like to see others start similar programs for other EHS athletic programs.
“There is definitely a need,” Thielke said. “Enid is a generous, giving community, especially when it comes to our youth. I feel fortunate to have been raised here, to live here and to teach here. We hope this program is the start of something big that will make a difference for all Plainsmen and Pacer athletes.”
Donations for the Enid Nutrition Alliance can be mailed to the EPS Foundation at PO Box 3325, Enid, OK 73702. For more information, please contact Conder at (580) 366-8350.
