By Juli Metzger—
MUNCIE, IN—The Arsenal, Muncie’s original CrossFit center, is the strength and speed training provider to this year’s Ball State University baseball team.
“It is a blessing to be able to provide instruction at the highest level of college athletics,” said Eric Van Matre, head coach at The Arsenal. “What we are providing to Ball State NCAA Division I baseball players also is available to youth athletes throughout Delaware County and beyond.”
Ball State’s baseball program sought out a local provider with a top fitness facility, proven expertise in strength, speed and fitness education and a history of participating in, and coaching BSU athletics, Van Matre said.
“Any time a school has a coaching change, there is an inherent question of success. I am excited for the future of Ball State Baseball and their continued upward trend of success with the addition of their new Strength and Conditioning coaches Eric Van Matre and Kyle Barsha of Muncie Arsenal,” said Jason Roberson, Ball State’s Director of Strength, and Conditioning for Olympic Sports. “It is reassuring that the team will extend their winning traditions with their strength and conditioning program being crafted by two accomplished veterans of the craft.”
Student athletes will have access to advice and feedback on movement, strength, speed, and conditioning at an elite level to help develop their bodies as athletes, and their team-building and mental resiliency to continue to strengthen the program’s culture and tradition, Van Matre said.
The Arsenal originally opened in 2013 on South Walnut Street. Today, it’s located at 210 E. Centennial Ave., and is home to more than 200 athletes of all ages and ability levels.
The Arsenal offers coaching, training and development in youth sports performance, collegiate sports performance, personal training, and competitive weightlifting, says co-founder and CEO B.J. McKay, himself a Ball State alumnus.
“This opportunity to partner with Ball State Baseball is in perfect alignment with how we operate,” McKay said. “These athletes have goals and a timeline for accomplishment. Our role is to help them become the strongest, fastest, mobile, and durable athletes possible, in partnership with their coaching staff, on their road to winning the next MAC Championship.”
Van Matre is a former Ball State baseball player and coach. He was a pitcher 2007-2009 and an assistant coach 2010-2011.
“I am excited for the opportunity we have been given and the trust Coach Rich Maloney and the entire BSU coaching staff has instilled in us to continue developing these athletes and help lead the Cardinals to the best opportunity to come home with some hardware at the end of this season. They set the standard high last season, and we are extremely excited on both sides to work together to raise that standard even higher.”
