Pre-Season Work in Full Swing

The end of exams and start of the third quarter always brings excitement to the third floor of Elder High School.

At Elder, we are very blessed to have an excellent weight training staff and facility at our disposal. Some guys who haven't been involved in fall or winter sports have been doing off-season conditioning and lifting since the last ball fell to the ground in the 2009 state tournament. However, once mid-January rolls around, a more formal conditioning regiment begins with me, Coach Tierney.

We are now two weeks into our pre-season team conditioning and I have been very pleased with what I am seeing thus far. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday students interested in being a part of the 2010 volleyball program meet on the third floor of the main building to shed some sweat and flab, and build a little strength, agility, and endurance. After 2:30, lockers slamming and students shuffling through the halls are replaced by athletes jumping, sprinting, shuffling, and bounding. Since this is not mandatory, I usually see a fluxuation of participation throughout the weeks. However, so far, I have noticed that the guys have been very faithful and motivated during the pre-season.

The past few years have brought great success for our volleyball program: 2007 - state runner-up, 2008 - state champions, 2009 - state runner-up. During this period, and especially last season, I have concluded that the reason for that success has been the dedication of the players to work hard day in and day out. I recently read a quote from a NCAA basketball coach who talked about the importance of a player's practice attitude. Coach Brannen said, "Players have to think, 'What can I get out of practice', and not, 'How can I get through practice.'" Members of our recent teams have displayed the former attitude each day. In my mind, this desire to improve each day has been the most significant factor to our success.

Throughout the current school year, I have observed a core group of players who have the same fire and same determination to improve. They have maintained a consistent presence and work ethic in the weightroom that has been noticeable. The seniors and a nice group of freshmen have been the most impressive. If this dedication and motivation continues throughout the spring, I am confident we will see another successful season for all levels in the Elder Volleyball program.

Until we hit the courts in March, we'll be sweating and dodging lockers on the third floor.