This group of Lady Broncs are currently hitting the weights as they prepare themselves to improve their strength and conditioning for the sports year at Kern Valley High School. Submitted photo.
Story by Ray Conner
With the school year over, a group of Broncs and Lady Broncs athletes are hitting the weight room in hopes of building on their success.
Taking a page out of other athletes, there is never an off season. It’s only between seasons that keep the momentum going and the skill level rising. This is true for these future athletes at Kern Valley. They are making time to get into the weight room at the high school.
Putting in the work during the down time, makes it possible to be strong when the season starts and then finishes. All sports season are longer no and most athletes play more than one sport. Weight training keeps their body strong and less susceptible to injury. This is the new thinking when it comes to sports at this level and the higher levels.
Shohei Ohtani one of the dominant players in Major League Baseball uses weight training to improve his skills at the plate. On his website this is what is said about his work out, “Ohtani incorporates compound movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses to develop overall strength and explosive power.” Of course, this is not saying there is an Ohtani at Kern Valley High School, but you never know. Any edge to become a better athlete is a step in the right direction for both the athlete and their team.
Currently the Lady Broncs take the morning session from 6:30 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Kern Valley coach Jamie Duran, leads these girls as they go through a weight and plyometric routine. The varsity and JV football go through a daily practice from 12:30-3 p.m. which include weight room time. The varsity players are gearing up the passing league at BC on Thursday.
What will this mean to the next sports season for these athletes? Possibly a head start on their competition when the actual season starts.
