After finishing with a 5-6 record in the 2024 season, the football team continues their hard work to improve on any weak spots from last season, with a goal of securing their first state title since the 2014-2015 season.
“I feel very connected as a team when working out at TNDO,” sophomore and wide receiver Remi Lynch said.
Head coach James Yeager has partnered up with TNDO gym, run by retired NFL player Giovanni Ruffin, for additional offseason training.
“The atmosphere is motivating, and being surrounded by others pushing themselves helps me stay focused and accountable,” junior and running back Jamarie Sanders said.
While strength training, athletes may face the risk of injury due to the explosive and intense workouts. The injury rate during competition is between 11.26 to 13.52 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures for high school athletes, according to Rausch Physical Therapy.
“Challenges will arise with some athletes being out of shape or not at the level they need to be at,” coach Sean Defendi said.
Therefore, the teams focus on certain exercises in order to remain healthy. Studies from Harvard Health show getting blood to the muscles through warmups helps make them more amenable to change, which helps athletes avoid workout injuries.
Ruffin has implemented many types of workouts and routines to help prevent injury, with warmups such as high knees to help warm up his body.
“It helped me improve in strength, endurance, agility and power,” Jamarie said.
Exercising at TNDO offers the team a great way to stay consistent and prepare for the upcoming season.
“TNDO improved my athletic performance by giving me better training routines and helping me stay consistent with my workouts,” Remi said.
