by Devan McKenney
The season may have ended earlier than people may have wanted, but the returning players are making sure next season is the best it can possibly be. The football team will be losing 13 seniors next year from the 39 man roster. Of the remaining returning varsity players, four play basketball and nine wrestle. That leaves one third of the team left without commitments to winter sports. Five of these student athletes have made the commitment to waking up for 6 a.m. workouts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the winter sports seasons. Two other player have committed to working out own their own.
Andres Rincon (17) said that it is his job to set an example for underclassmen to go to workouts. Rincon often works out twice a day, once with the football team and once by himself. Rincon said, “I like to workout with the team, but I also like to workout by myself. Together is more of a team bonding thing.” Rincon said that it is important for team success to be together as much as possible, but he enjoys being alone or with family when he trains as well. “I am excited for all of my hard work to come together in my final season with my brothers,” Rincon said. Rincon is not the only one on the team that enjoys lifting by himself.
Kye Mills (17) trains during the offseason with his father at home. Mills said, “We have our own weightlifting system at home. I can bench, squat, and can do all the free weight stuff,” Mills prefers to workout alone and feels he is better that way. His dad inspires him to workout at home. He said, “I’m definitely able to bench more and I have gotten faster,” Mills said. Mills is not just working out, he got himself a nutritionist to help him fuel his body correctly.
Cody Jordan (18) joined Crossfit Eaton in hopes it can prepare him for next season. Jordan was a consistent weight room attender last off season who is now training in a different way. Jordan said, “I didn’t want to get chubby again. I lost a lot of weight during football. I didn’t want to lose body” Crossfit coach and choir teacher Christina Contreras spoke highly of Jordan. Contreras said, “If you tell him to go through a brick well he will do it” She also said that Jordan’s coordination and strength is improving.
These students have committed their time in the offseason to prepare themselves for football. From starters, to second string, to scout team, at all levels of varsity playing time decided to better themselves not only for them, but for their team.
