Pillow players please coach with their intensity in summer workouts
Courtesy of The Greenwood Commonwealth
Pumped up.
That best describes, no pun intended, how Michael Fair feels about his team's summer strength and conditioning program.
"Wow, our guys have worked so hard this summer. They are more than ready for the start of two-a-days," said the third-year Pillow Academy head football coach.
The Mustangs will put the final touches on their summer workout program this week before cranking up practice July 26.
The program, designed to boost quickness, strength and overall conditioning, started June 1 with sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The workout schedule included 24 days of at least 21/2-hour sessions in often extremely hot and humid conditions. Any player who makes at least 21 of those workouts will get his name printed on back of his jersey this season.
Fair said players who have missed more than three workouts are given a chance to make them up. He expects nearly every one of his 44 players to meet the minimum goal.
"We have really turned up the intensity this summer compared to my first two seasons here," Fair said, "and our guys have responded well. And our seniors, who have been a part of this thing for the last three summers, have shown great leadership in boosting our intensity out there."
The Mustangs are coming off a 9-3 season that ended with a loss to Washington School in the State AAA Division II championship game. Fair believes the sour ending to the 2009 season has helped spark his players' intensity this summer.
"Losing in the state championship game has put a little fuel on the fire. Our guys are working awfully hard and pushing one another to the max so we can get back to the state championship game."
High school football used to be something that was played in the fall with some off-season weight lifting. Now days, players prep all year long.
"To compete in the league we're in, you've got to work at year-around," Fair said.
Outside of the obvious physical benefits, Fair believes these workouts bring his players together as a team.
"When thing are tough and you are tired in the fourth quarter, you're going to look across the huddle and see the same guys that helped you make it through those hot summer workouts when you thought you couldn't go anymore."
Since Fair has been at Pillow, each summer the team has taken an overnight trip to Lake Tiak-O'khata in Louisville to promote team unity.
"It brings our guys closer together," he said.
Courtesy of The Greenwood Commonwealth
Pumped up.
That best describes, no pun intended, how Michael Fair feels about his team's summer strength and conditioning program.
"Wow, our guys have worked so hard this summer. They are more than ready for the start of two-a-days," said the third-year Pillow Academy head football coach.
The Mustangs will put the final touches on their summer workout program this week before cranking up practice July 26.
The program, designed to boost quickness, strength and overall conditioning, started June 1 with sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The workout schedule included 24 days of at least 21/2-hour sessions in often extremely hot and humid conditions. Any player who makes at least 21 of those workouts will get his name printed on back of his jersey this season.
Fair said players who have missed more than three workouts are given a chance to make them up. He expects nearly every one of his 44 players to meet the minimum goal.
"We have really turned up the intensity this summer compared to my first two seasons here," Fair said, "and our guys have responded well. And our seniors, who have been a part of this thing for the last three summers, have shown great leadership in boosting our intensity out there."
The Mustangs are coming off a 9-3 season that ended with a loss to Washington School in the State AAA Division II championship game. Fair believes the sour ending to the 2009 season has helped spark his players' intensity this summer.
"Losing in the state championship game has put a little fuel on the fire. Our guys are working awfully hard and pushing one another to the max so we can get back to the state championship game."
High school football used to be something that was played in the fall with some off-season weight lifting. Now days, players prep all year long.
"To compete in the league we're in, you've got to work at year-around," Fair said.
Outside of the obvious physical benefits, Fair believes these workouts bring his players together as a team.
"When thing are tough and you are tired in the fourth quarter, you're going to look across the huddle and see the same guys that helped you make it through those hot summer workouts when you thought you couldn't go anymore."
Since Fair has been at Pillow, each summer the team has taken an overnight trip to Lake Tiak-O'khata in Louisville to promote team unity.
"It brings our guys closer together," he said.
