SCHOOL SPORTS

by Krista Norton | June 11, 2020

This is the second week coaches and athletes have been able to practice for the upcoming 2020-2021 season. Of the coaches interviewed, they all agree the athletes are working hard, have a positive attitude and they think it is due to their excitement of being back to practice and being around their friends. 

Head girls’ basketball coach Kendra Fyler is happy with the turnout so far with 12-17 junior high and high school and hopes the numbers will be consistent throughout the summer.  “They have great energy and attitudes all while working very hard.”

Head junior high girls’ coach, Amy Norton can see improvement from last week to this week.  “I am proud of their hard work, and also that they bring their energy and positivity with them every day.” 

The girls are currently working on shooting and ball handling skills and will start scrimmaging next week. 

Head boys’ basketball coach, Jordan Wahlmeier, and assistant high school football coach, explains the boy’s athletics are integrated right now but after weights and conditioning portion, the boys then go into sports specific. So far, he has had 15 signed up for basketball and they are focusing on summer conditioning.    

He will work with the basketball for thirty minutes one day, then sixty minutes the next and so on, alternating with football.  “The main goal is to hit both sports each day and promote dual sports” said Wahlmeier. 

Focusing on the summer, everybody who is in attendance 85% of the time, will get a steak dinner and will be the first to check out their gear and  select jersey numbers. The boys are currently working on getting shots up, ball handling. 

Although they cannot scrimmage, he is proud that they show up, do the drills that nobody likes doing.  “It’s tough work and a testament to them showing they are ready to put the work in to be the best team they can.” 

He feels a lot of it is they are glad to be back in the gym with their buddies, putting in the blood sweat and tears, and getting a basketball in their hands.   

Head boys football coach, Jordan Irsik is pleased that with 96% attendance. They are focusing on weightlifting, dynamic warmups, agility and change of direction drills which he feels are all applicable to every sport.  They are also working on speed training and conditioning, teaching kids how to run properly, running mechanics, knowing that if they run smoother, they can get into better shape. 

He feels moving workouts to evenings has been the greatest benefit.  “It’s what the kids wanted and it’s obviously paying off.” 

Their Friday workouts are a bit lighter and include yoga.  “This helps with flexibility and mobility before the weekend, so their bodies are feeling better on Monday,” explains Irsik. 

In an attempt to bring out the best in the athletes, Irsik explained how they have adopted the hashtag #uncommon.  When he asked  the boys how many of your buddies, that are not out for sports, told you it was stupid, every single kid responded by raising their hand. 

He feels they can change the culture by making it “cool” to work out, do the right thing on and off the field or court and striving to be a leader - in school and the community, it will eventually turn around and eventually #common will become the theme.     

While it is uncommon now, the guys have bought in. “They have smiles, they are full of energy, and I have yet to yell at a kid for lack of effort,” said Irsik.