Mount Marty strengthens partnership with Avera and Coach Rozy Performance in the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse

Mount Marty University is excited to announce an enhancement in its Strength and Conditioning partnership with Coach Rozy Performance, powered by Avera Sports. Coach Rozy Performance will be moving into the current GreatLIFE space within the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse, allowing opportunities to serve the needs of the Lancer athletes better. 

To accommodate Mount Marty Athletics' growth and serve the needs of the Avera and Coach Rozy Performance partnership, Mount Marty and GreatLIFE have agreed to conclude their current facility agreement.

Beginning May 15, 2026, Coach Rozy Performance will be assuming a greater role in the fieldhouse. Mark Roozen, known as Coach Rozy, will serve as the primary supervisor of Mount Marty Strength and Conditioning, ensuring dedicated, high-quality training for all Lancer teams.

"Mount Marty Athletics has experienced tremendous growth over the years," Athletic Director Andy Bernatow said. "In the 2016-2017 school year, when we initially began conversations with GreatLIFE, we had 232 student-athletes. Today, we have 464. We’ve doubled in size, and projections show even more potential for continued growth. This added space will significantly enhance the experience for our student-athletes while also providing opportunities for all students and Mount Marty employees.

"The opportunity to have someone with Mark Roozen's experience leading our strength and conditioning program is an incredible advantage for our student-athletes," Bernatow added. "His background working with Olympic athletes, NFL organizations and elite performers at every level brings a level of expertise and professionalism that will elevate training across all programs. Our athletes will benefit tremendously from his knowledge, system and commitment to developing the whole person."

Assistant Athletic Director Jason Nelson said, "The addition of a dedicated training space will significantly elevate the quality and efficiency of athletic development at Mount Marty University. With larger areas available, entire teams can train together, and multiple teams can train in a safe, well-organized environment. Under the oversight of Coach Rozy and his staff, all Mount Marty athletic programs will benefit from a top-of-the-line strength and conditioning system. This consistency ensures that athletes are training correctly, progressively and safely, reducing injury risk while maximizing physical development. As a result, Mount Marty athletes will be better prepared, more resilient and increasingly competitive within both the Great Plains Athletic Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The expanded space, paired with professional oversight, creates a foundation for long-term, competitive growth across all programs."

As Coach Rozy Performance, powered by Avera Sports, celebrates its 10th anniversary of serving youth, athletes and the general population, it is an exciting time to more than double the size of its presence on the Mount Marty University campus from 3,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet. During this last decade, Coach Rozy and his team of strength and conditioning coaches have worked with over 15,000 student-athletesand community members in the Yankton region, helping them reach their own personal goals — and this announcement promises to expand that impact.

"This isn't just about a bigger space. It's about a bigger vision," Coach Rozy said. "We're committed to continuing to make a lasting impact in the lives of the people we serve, helping them not only perform better but also live better. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community."

The new space will allow:

• Youth training programs for 3rd to 6th graders, focusing on foundational movement and athletic development.
• High school and college athlete training designed to enhance performance, reduce injury risk and build mental toughness.
• Climbers Club Bootcamps, a program for the general population that combines fitness, community and fun.
• Specialized performance and wellness programs, which help individuals of all ages achieve their personal best.

The three entities are collaborating to make the transition smooth for GreatLIFE and Coach Rozy clients. 

Mount Marty students and employees will have access to shared spaces and flexed areas in Coach Rozy Performance’s new area. GreatLIFE will depart the facility at the end of April 2026. GreatLIFE will release official information about its members' options. Mount Marty encourages any GreatLIFE members with questions to contact GreatLIFE directly at memberSupport@JoinGreatLIFE.com or stop into any of their GreatLIFE locations, where their team will be happy to assist you.

President of GreatLIFE Nick Ovenden said, "GreatLIFE is truly excited for Mount Marty University and the continued growth of its athletic programs. We're grateful for the partnership we've shared over the years and look forward to exploring new ways to support one another in the future. At the end of the school year, all GreatLIFE services at our Downtown Yankton locations and access to the Summit Center will continue as normal as part of your GreatLIFE membership."

"We are extremely grateful for our partnership with GreatLIFE and the support they have provided over the years," Bernatow said. "They have been a wonderful organization to work with, and we are very appreciative of what we have been able to create together."

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.