It may seem like spring is far away considering there is snow piled up on the ground and temperatures are below freezing , but many spring athletes have begun their training.
“Training during the off season helps me learn and practice strategy,” tennis player senior Rachel Anderson said. “It keeps me moving and always thinking about my game.”
For Anderson and the rest of the varsity tennis team, winter training means heading to Hill Road Sports Complex to practice and take classes.
“We don’t necessarily practice as a team; it’s as classes,” Anderson said. “We warm up, run drills, and play practice matches.”
Track and field athletes also find ways to run and stay and shape during the winter months despite the frigid temperatures. For distance runners, a majority of that running is done outside regardless of the elements.
“I train with the Fenton Track Club during the weekdays and follow my outdoor coach Joe’s schedule as well as my trainer Mike’s schedule,” sophomore Jake Lee said. “I do a workout each day that corresponds best to what they both want me to do. Then on Saturday I wake up early to go to Genesys indoor track with my trainer and other long distance runners from the Genesee county area. On Sunday, we usually do 10-12 miles for our long run.”
For runners, distance coach Joe Dimambro recommends weight training as a way to prevent injury and to improve overall strength.
“I like to use weight training as a means to develop muscle balance and core,” Dimambro said. “It helps maintain good running form and prevent injury.”
Baseball player sophomore John Leaske plays other sports during the off time to stay in shape.
“I do my two other sports, basketball and soccer, which keep me in condition,” Leaske said. “Then, along with that, I take lessons to improve my specific baseball skills.”
The idea of playing other sports doesn’t just help athletes keep in shape, it helps prevent overuse injuries as well.
“Training in the winter allows athletes to build up and maintain prior conditioning,” athletic trainer Mitch Smelis said. “It can be playing another sport, cross training, or doing cross and strength training. Those activities create balance and prevent overuse injuries.”
Despite the snow and ice, athletes are finding ways to strengthen their bodies to endure the season ahead and dominate the Metro League.