The St. Joseph Public Schools Maize and Blue Athlete Fund Wellness Summit, presented by Corewell Health, will debut on January 10 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, and a distinguished lineup of experts committed to supporting the holistic development of young athletes.
The inaugural event will begin with a keynote address by Mark Ostach, followed by interactive sessions designed to equip students with tools that will benefit them on and off the field.
Mark Ostach is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and advocate for connection, mental wellness, and performance. Frequently featured in national media and known for his energetic, engaging style, Ostach blends personal storytelling with research-backed insights to inspire audiences to restore focus, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connection in today’s fast-paced world. Mark Ostach: Speaker & Author
This first-of-its-kind summit features 11 speakers specializing in athletic performance, mental health, nutrition, leadership, and personal development. Students will have the opportunity to participate in 30-minute breakout sessions, selected in advance.
“Our goal is to create an empowering environment where student-athletes feel supported in every dimension of their development,” said Rick Dyer, president of the Maize and Blue Fund. “Having Mark Ostach open our summit will set an inspiring tone for the day — helping our coaches and athletes embrace wellness, resilience, and connection both on and off the field.”
“One of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of our young people is with health education,” said Natalie Baggio, president, Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan. “Through this event we’re helping students build lifelong habits that support their well-being and may also inspire them to consider careers in health and wellness, where they can make a lasting difference for our community.”
Summit Highlights
- Interactive sessions on mental resilience and stress management
- Workshops on strength, conditioning, and injury prevention
- Nutrition education tailored for competitive athletes
- Leadership and character-building activities
- Guidance from 11 expert speakers in fields essential to athlete success
“Today’s athletes face pressures that extends well past the playing field,” added Jeff Wallace, girls varsity basketball coach at St. Joe. “This summit is about giving them the knowledge, confidence, and support network they need to thrive.”
