As soon as a sport season comes to an end, you would think that the players would embrace a break. However, soon after the final game, match or meet, it is time to prepare for the next year.

Football players practice drills designed to help prepare them individually along with working as a team on their offensive and defensive teams during the regular season only to be right back in the weight room at the season’s end. Athletes do not want to work hard one year and see all their efforts go to waste while their sport is not currently in session. They want to preserve the work they have already done and continue to improve.

“I’ve been lifting since last year to increase my strength and to stay in shape for the coming baseball season,” senior Alex Everly, baseball infielder, said.

Baseball and softball players are starting to practice, three months in advance, in anticipation of their first practice March 6.

“We are currently preparing for softball. We do different workouts on different days. Mondays we have pitcher and catcher workouts and speed camp for everyone else. Tuesdays and Thursdays we work out in the weight room. Wednesdays we only have pitcher and catcher workouts and Fridays we all go to speed camp,” junior Katie Marx, softball catcher, said.

Many athletes on the track team will start preparing for this year’s season in January.

“Once a season starts it is too late to do what you need to do to become as good as you can,” Mr. Bill Rhoads, math teacher, track and eighth grade football coach, said.

Throughout the whole year and summer, many teams use the weight room to improve themselves.

“All athletes should work out during their offseason to get stronger and more mentally prepared for their season. It is also good for team bonding,” Everly said.

“I don’t mind starting early; it helps everyone improve so that we can have a great season this year,” Marx said.