By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
The South Brunswick High School’s Athletic Department is offering an optional strength and conditioning workout program until Aug. 5 for any SBHS student athletes according to Raymond Ostrowski, physical education teacher and program head.
”It is highly encouraged because we are trying to get them (the students) strength, power, speed, agility and quickness,” Mr. Ostrowski said. “These skills will help any athlete in their sport and the skills they practice build on all sports.”
The program began this past year at the high school by former physical education teacher Bobbi Thomas, according to Mr. Ostrowski. The program began in the fall with the concept of having the athletes be prepared for the upcoming season Mr. Ostrowski said.
During the school year, Mr. Ostrowski said that he observed and helped Ms. Thomas with the program, and gained experience from her. He also said that when Ms. Thomas resigned, he took over the program.
”Fitness is something I’ve always been interested in,” Mr. Ostrowski said. “When I heard about the program I wanted to get involved in it.”
Mr. Ostrowski said the average workout lasts for about an hour and half. Each day of the week the athletes alternate by sports team. Football attends the workouts four days a week, while the other teams attend twice a week according to Mr. Ostrowski. The workout consists of a three step process. The athletes begin with a dynamic warm-up, and then an agility workout and then finish with four weight lifting stations. Each of the four lifting stations consists of two exercises.
”I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from the coaches and athletes,” Mr. Ostrowski said.
The program does not just give the students the strength to pursue their upcoming sport, but also reduces the risks of injury, teaches responsibility, and encourages leadership according to Mr. Ostrowski.
”The program reduces injury risks, because their body has already adjusted,” Mr. Ostrowski said.
Strength and conditioning allows the athletes to take responsibility themselves in fulfilling their athletic commitments according to Mr. Ostrowski. He said that his schedule is flexible, and if an athlete cannot attend the workout he does provide time for the athlete to make up the workout they have missed.
The program teaches the athletes about leadership as well. Mr. Ostrowski said he often depends on the upperclassmen to lead warm ups, and take charge of their own lifting requirements.
”I’m definitely looking for those leaders to step up,” Mr. Ostrowski said.
Many of the student athletes have found significant improvement in their skills by taking part in the program since the summer program began June 27.
”It is helping is get in better shape so we can start off our season strong,” junior and gymnastics athlete Nicole Travers said.
Junior and gymnastics athlete Reina Butler said that the constant running is most effective because you need that form of strength for each sport. Nicole said that the power lifting helps her gain power in her gymnastic techniques.
”Sprinting helps your endurance which gives you more power and energy,” sophomore and gymnastics athlete Stephanie Travers and freshman and gymnastics athlete Danielle Hecht both said.
Overall, Mr. Ostrowski said that the program is a great foundation so far, but he would like to improve it through colleague and athlete suggestions.
”I’m trying to get more kids involved and I’m always looking for more things to add,” Mr. Ostrowski said.
