CSUSM has introduced a new sports performance program and Erik Blekeberg, professor of Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, has been hired as the head of the department.    

As a Sports Performance Coach, Blekeberg will work with student athletes both physically and mentally. He will also train members of every sport in agility, balance, endurance and efficiency, helping them with body awareness. In addition to these workouts, he provides counseling in sports psychology and nutrition.

Blekeberg began his career at San Diego State University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness and Nutrition in 2007. He then went on to receive his Master’s at San Diego State University in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports and Exercise Psychology in 2010.

As head of the Sports Performance Program, Blekeberg said he wants to focus this year on building up the department, sports management and helping the Division II program grow altogether.

“My big focuses are establishing program management, helping the DII program grow and providing for the athletes themselves a base of general functionality as well as nutrition and psychology,” Blekeberg said.

Athletic Director Jennifer Milo said she is eager to see Coach Blekeberg reduce the amount of injuries this season.

“I’m looking forward to the new program paying off on the field, from reduced injuries to being able to play a California Collegiate Athletic Association conference schedule.”

Milo said she believes Blekeberg will have a great impact on athletes both mentally and physically.   

“When [the athletes] want to quit because they’re tired or because they can’t breathe, Erik is able to motivate them in a way that makes them believe they can finish.”

Blekeberg started his sports performance coaching career as an intern for SDSU, leading the school’s swimming and diving teams. Since then, he has trained with a wide variety of athletes from various sports.

Blekeberg trained Simon Tatum, a sprint cyclist who had exercise-induced asthma. Due to his asthma medications waiting period, Tatum did not bike for a few months before Youth Nationals in July 2011 but still won a bronze medal. Blekeberg considered training Tatum a highlight of his career.

“Working with Simon was a unique opportunity to challenge myself with a sport I was unfamiliar with. He had a great attitude and was always open to trying new things he believed would make him better.”

Upon his arrival to CSUSM Athletics, Blekeberg felt welcomed by the Athletic Department. “Everyone was so welcoming, it doesn’t feel like I’m new,” Blekeberg says.

Although Blekeberg is new to CSUSM as a coach, he has been a professor on campus since January 2014 teaching Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II.

Coach Blekeberg and the new Sports Performance Program will be a new addition to CSUSM athletes and coaches for the upcoming year.