Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State University football team has enjoyed one of its most successful seasons ever, charging out to an undefeated record behind a 10-0 start. The Mavericks try to close out a perfect regular season when they play host to Upper Iowa this weekend (1:00 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium). Having recently clinched at least a share of the conference championship, the team enjoys a #6 ranking in the American Football Coaches Association national poll and sits at #1 in the NCAA’s Super Region Three poll, with many of the team’s bigger goals still ahead.

The team returned a lot of top talent from last year’s squad which finished 10-2 and won the Mineral Water Bowl. The players invested heavily in off-season training throughout the spring and summer, which brought the team into preseason camp in top physical condition. And while that has certainly paid dividends over the course of a grueling season against some great competition, the Mavericks insist their "X factor" may come in their mental approach to the game.

"There is no question that our work with Cindra Kamphoff this season has had a huge impact on our team’s success this season," said Maverick Acting Head Coach Aaron Keen. "Our team meets with Cindra each week to learn a new mental skill. I have been able to communicate our specific needs and she has been able to tailor an exercise to address it. You can see how it plays out each game and enhances our performance. I think it has definitely given us an edge."

Kamphoff is an Associate Professor in MSU’s Department of Human Performance. She is also overseeing the implementation of the school’s "Center for Sport and Performance Psychology". The center, which will officially open in January, is one of only three in the country located on a college campus. It was funded as part of the University’s "Big Ideas, Real Word Thinking" initiative designed to fuel innovation that could be applied practically to solve everyday challenges. Kamphoff’s project was selected last spring and she has been off and running with the idea ever since, both literally and figuratively.

Kamphoff, an accomplished competitive runner herself and winner of the Omaha Marathon earlier this year, is able to practice what she preaches. "Running fuels my passion for sport psychology," says Kamphoff. "I am able to apply these techniques when I compete and it motivates me to help others reach their full potential."

Minnesota State senior wide receiver Adam Thielen concurs with Kamphoff. "Working with Cindra has been great and has definitely helped our team. She has helped us keep our focus on what’s right in front of us and we just try to go 1-0 each week. We have learned about trusting each other and it has helped us to deal with the different challenges we face from game to game."

Doug Mayo, Vice President for University Advancement, oversees the "Big Ideas" brand and its related comprehensive fundraising campaign. "We see all kinds of faculty innovation benefitting people in our region and across the globe, but it’s especially compelling when the collaboration happens right here on campus and has such a positive, immediate impact," Mayo says.

Director of Athletics, Kevin Buisman agrees. "It has been a wonderful partnership for us. The timing couldn’t have been better and the feedback from the coaches and student-athletes has been very encouraging. Our other teams are lining up to work with Cindra and it’s only a matter of time before others follow suit. It’s been a great experience for us."

     Contact: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff (cindra.kamphoff@mnsu.edu • 507.327.9193)
                   Kevin Buisman (kevin.buisman@mnsu.edu • 507.389.6111)

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