Posted: Jan 20, 2023

Athletics unveils Keelhauler Fit, a new strategic initiative created to enhance the Cal Maritime experience

VALLEJO, Calif. – Director of Athletics and Physical Education Karen Lee Yoder, Sports Performance and Athletics staff are proud to unveil Keelhauler Fit, a brand-new initiative that is part of the university's five-year strategic plan, to cadets, faculty, and staff members.

Designed by Cal Maritime Sports Performance to help members of the university community find and maintain balance throughout their tenure at Cal Maritime, Keelhauler Fit is a multi-faceted mental, physical and emotional health program that offers seminars, workshops and presentations to enhance self-care.

Through programming that commences in mid-January — information pertaining to all Keelhauler Fit events is available on its Instagram profile — cadets, faculty and staff will enjoy and enriched undergraduate experience that will help them achieve their academic and athletic potential.

"Through a holistic integration with other facets of campus life, Keelhauler Fit will change the mindset of our campus community, improve individual and institutional culture by developing lifelong healthy habits," said Jeff Ward, assistant director of athletics for sports performance.

In addition to First Aid, CPR and AED training, self-care workshops and the university's annual Glow Run comprise the inaugural set of Keelhauler Fit events. As the current semester continues, individuals can sign up for free strength and conditioning, cardio, mixed martial arts or dance classes.

A dodgeball tournament is the first of three intramural experiences planned throughout the upcoming months; additional programming that includes yoga, recreational scrimmages and additional special events are slated to take place this spring.

Already known nationwide as the No. 1 public regional college in the West, its 94 percent employment rate within three months of graduation — the highest among all universities in the CSU System — and highest average salaries by alums of any college or university (public or private) in the western U.S., Ward is excited to witness firsthand how cadets benefit from Cal Maritime's new strategic initiative.

"Cadets work hard each semester to take full advantage of the world-class educational and experiential learning opportunities provided by the university." Ward added, "Through Keelhauler Fit, they will find and maintain a healthy balance throughout their undergraduate career which ultimately leads to a successful, and comprehensive, Cal Maritime experience."