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.

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.

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, competed for the University of South Dakota Coyotes for three years. Originally from Amherst, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, his expertise includes speed development and sprint/jump technique. Chris competed post collegiately in the long jump for 7 years. Chris has been an instructor at countless jump camps for his long jump coach, Mike Powell. Chris and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Sioux Falls.

Zach Wysong Zach Wysong has been an Exercise Specialist with Avera Sports Institute since December 2009. Originally from Hills, Minnesota, Zach received his bachelors degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota. As an undergraduate, Zach played running back for the Mustangs where he is currently the school's all-time leading rusher. Zach and his wife, Tracy reside in Lennox, South Dakota.

Chuck Vockler Avera Sports Institute Exercise Specialist and Stampede Strength and Conditioning Coach Chuck Vockler is a native of Detroit, MI. Vockler played at various levels of hockey including college at Minnesota State - Mankato. Following his college career Vockler served as the Head Coach of the Sioux Falls Varsity for five years leading the Flyers to three straight State Championship titles. This past season Vockler was the Head Coach of the Team South Dakota U14 National Tournament Team leading them to a quarter final appearance in Buffalo, NY. Chuck works with youth hockey players and the Stampede, where he provides instruction on skating mechanics, agility and strength and conditioning throughout the hockey season.