Avera Sports Institute Staff

Our team brings a wealth of experience in sports medicine and peformance enhancement to the programs offered at the Avera Sports Institute.

Jason Askew Jason Askew, MBA, ATC, CSCS, is manager of the Avera Sports Institute and has been with Avera McKennan since 2000. A native of Cavalier, N.D., Jason received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of North Dakota. Prior to coming to Sioux Falls, Jason worked at Altru Health System in Grand Forks serving as an athletic trainer with the Acceleration and outreach sports medicine program. Jason's wife, Tracey is a physical therapist at Avera McKennan and they have a daughter, Brynn, and son, Kellen.

Derek Ferley Derek Ferley, MA, CSCS, Exercise Physiologist, began working with the Acceleration program in 2001 after having worked at other Acceleration Sports Training locations in Minneapolis, Minn., and Manchester, England. Derek received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College, a master's degree from Mankato State University and is currently completing a PhD from South Dakota State University. In his free time he enjoys a number of activities including running, reading, wood-working and home remodeling projects.

Nancy Rops Nancy Rops, CSCS, has been an exercise specialist with the Acceleration program since 2003. A native of Bismarck, N.D., she received her bachelor of science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and will begin her master's program at South Dakota State University. An avid runner, she enjoys competing in local and regional road races.

Dave Smith Dave Smith, Exercise Specialist, enjoys teaching and developing hockey players. He has been around the sport of hockey his entire life, having been born and raised in Taylor, Mich., a suburb of Detroit. While earning a bachelor of science degree, he played Division I hockey at Minnesota State University, Mankato 1993-1997. Dave has been a power skating instructor for numerous hockey camps throughout the United States and Canada. He has been coaching youth hockey since 1997. Prior to committing to play hockey, he played a season of junior college baseball in Macomb, Mich. Dave resides in Sioux Falls with his daughter, Bailey, and son, Camden.

Dick Bartling Dick Bartling, MS, CSCS, Exercise Physiologist, has been with our Acceleration program since its inception in 1994. A native of Brookings, S.D., he received his bachelor of science and master's degrees from South Dakota State University. Dick is an adjunct faculty member of the University of Sioux Falls Exercise Science Department. He has served as a guest speaker and lecturer on exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, performance enhancement, and ergogenic aids. He has a strong interest in golf conditioning and proper training for track athletes.

Sarah Van Laecken Sarah Van Laecken, MS, CSCS, exercise specialist, received her bachelor of arts and master's degrees from the University of South Dakota. As an undergraduate, Sarah competed for the Coyotes' track and field team. She was named All-American twice in the hepthalon and 400 intermediate hurdles. She spent one year as the USD women's basketball strength and conditioning graduate assistant coach before accepting a position as an assistant track and field coach and head recruiting coordinator at USD. As an athlete, Sarah has been through the Acceleration program three times before joining ASI. She is originally from Mitchell, S.D.

Chris Slatt Chris Slatt, Exercise Specialist, is currently completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota. Chris competed for the Coyotes in Track and Field for three years. Originally from Amherst, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, his expertise includes speed development and sprint/jump technique. Chris has been an instructor at countless jump camps for his long jump coach, Mike Powell. Chris and his wife, Rebecca reside in Tea.

Paul Keizer Paul Keizer has been an Excercise Specialist with Avera Sports Institute since December 2007. A native of Hull, Iowa, Paul played football for South Dakota State University. In 2006, he had a free agent tryout with the Buffalo Bills and in 2007 played for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League. After LA, Paul came back to Sioux Falls and played for the Sioux Falls Storm while working at the Avera Sports Institute. Paul resides in Sioux Falls with his wife April and is currently studying to receive his Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from South Dakota State University.