The 2005 WSU’s Food Product Development Team created a new product called “Load N Reload”. Building on the teams’ develop-ment work, a small group has formed a new company called ATP Beverages and is now working to commercialize this product. "Load N Reload" is a combination of two sports drinks made especially for the before and after needs of both dedicated and casual athletes.

“Load” is “Orango” (orange and mango) flavored and contains both fructose and sucrose. It is consumed prior to exercise and provides a prolonged energy boost. Other ingredients enhance re hydration, delay exhaustion, and supply six different B vitamins to enhance metabolism function.

Their vanilla flavored “Reload” provides for the quick absorption of nutrients specially formulated to enhance glycogen re synthesis, especially important to athletes who exercise frequently. Specific formulations are based upon recent research providing optimal proportions for glycogen replenishment. Other components help reduce the potential for cramping or dehydration, provide protein and other minerals, and furnish all essential amino acids used in muscle repair and muscle building. Finally, high protein “Reload” also contains potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, and is suitable for use by athletes who are lactose intolerant.

Joe Harris, the Business Development Specialist in the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, as well as Lance Schwarzkopf, Research Assistant in Food Science and Human Nutrition, have combined with students, Dan Appel and Derek Harris, to form ATP Beverages. This company is currently obtaining licensing rights from WSU and is working to bring the product to market. The group participated in the WSU preliminary business plan competition and is now pre-paring for the main competition in March.

Lance had this to say about Load N Reload, “We`re excited about this product because it can compete in the market place. It was developed using the latest sports nutritional research and has measurable physiological benefits. Thus, Load N Reload enhances athletic performance by filling the void left by other sports drinks.”

Company officials are working to commercialize their product. ATP Beverages is currently seeking venture capital to fund both a clinical trial and the first production run. Start up capital is also needed to market Load N Reload to various military branches.

The team that created “Load N Reload,” was one of a mere six teams to be advanced to the finals of the Product Development Competition, sponsored by the Institute of Food Technology (IFT) Student Association. The team included students from the Depart-ment of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Last summer, the WSU team participated in the national finals in New Orleans. During the competition, team members participated in an oral presentation, a poster session, and answered various oral questions posed by judges. Judges also completed a sensory evaluation of the product. Professional food scientists who are involved in product development at a variety of companies served as judges. This is the third time in the past four years that a Cougar team has qualified for the finals. WSU Students – World Class.

Note: Members of the 2005 WSU Food Product Development team included: Kyoung Craddock, Genisis Dancer, Lance Schwarzkopf, Seung Yong Lim, Jaydeep Chauhan, Subba Rao Gurram, Andy Chen, Chris Purnell, Stephanie Clark and Tinyee Hoang.