Mustang coaches see strong turnout for conditioning workouts
MARBLE FALLS —More than 25 Marble Falls High School athletes attended the morning session of the first day of strength and conditioning workouts June 6.
“I’d say that this is probably the best first day of summer we’ve had since I’ve been here,” assistant coach Ryan Gentry said.
Incoming seniors Taylor Cauble and Zed Woerner led the way followed by a mixture of football players including lineman Nathan Short and incoming sophomores Aidin Parnell and Keelan Gamble.
“I think the older kids are really pulling along the younger kids and teaching them some of the lifts and helping us do that cause we don’t have enough eyes to do that,” Gentry said. “When the younger kids show up and the older kids are here to help, it really fosters them along and gives them a good feeling and all that stuff.”
Five coaches were in attendance: Jeremy Gamez, Franco Weston, David Norwood, Anthony Torns and Gentry.
Torns, who also is an assistant track and cross-country coach, puts athletes through conditioning drills on the track after weightlifting.
The coaches were encouraged by the number of participants because the Mustang football team will rely on several first-time starters on the varsity level.
Gentry said one of the benefits to participating in the program can’t be seen from a physical standpoint.
“Leadership. I think some of our older guys on our football team are really pulling some kids along,” he said. “Our younger kids are starting to buy into what we’re doing.”
Athletes also get another benefit, Gentry said.
“My biggest deal with the weight room is it builds self-confidence,” he said. “It’s not just a muscle builder and strength builder, it’s a self-confidence boaster.”
The program runs through July 14 every Monday-Thursday from 9-11 a.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.