An Applied Sport and Exercise Science student from Robert Gordon University (RGU) received a once-in-a-lifetime Super Bowl experience as a reward for his hard work on his American placement.
Fergus Hill (21) is one of around 50 third year students who undertook a six-week placement as part of their Applied Sport and Exercise Science degree.
Fergus, originally from Brechin, secured a post with Bellin Health, a healthcare provider in Wisconsin, and worked out of Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics Clinic.
He said: “I am very interested in performance analysis and strength and conditioning training, so was really attracted to the incredible facilities this placement would let me work with.
“The centre was a brand new one, with top-of-the-line technology and experienced professionals who work closely with the Green Bay Packers.”
The former Brechin High School student was able to put his love of strength and conditioning to good use as he was tasked with running sessions for clients ranging from high school teams to adults looking for personal training.
He also assisted in running performance assessments, running an ACL rehabilitation class and spent time shadowing a surgeon, which included observing a number of ACL reconstruction surgeries.
As Bellin Health is closely linked with the American football team, the Green Bay Packers, Fergus’ time in Wisconsin was made extra special by being awarded VIP tickets to the 2018 Super Bowl, which he enjoyed from the Packers suite.
Fergus said: “It was an incredible experience getting to watch the game from the suite and not one I’ll be forgetting anytime soon. It really topped off the whole placement experience.
“Looking back, this has just confirmed to me that I want to pursue a future in performance sport and I’ve taken a lot away from it. Anytime I see a runner now, I am instantly analysing their technique and working with such a variety of clients in the US setting – from 30 high school footballers to a single middle-aged runner – was very valuable.”
RGU is renowned for its excellent work placement opportunities with industry and professional bodies worldwide, which can lead to glowing references, offers of employment and long and successful careers for students like Fergus.
The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018 has recently names RGU as the top university in Scotland for industry connections and 10th in the UK.
Bryan McCann, lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at RGU’s School of Health Sciences, said: “This placement was a fantastic opportunity for Fergus and it was great to see him not only seize it with both hands, but come away with incredible memories.
“The placement module for our third year students is a vital element of the course, as it provides excellent experiences for our students to apply their knowledge and skills in real world situations. We are very grateful to the team at Bellin Health for supporting another international placement for one of our students.”
