The Sages football team has been hard at work this off season preparing for a new year with many challenges ahead.
Off season weight lifting has been an integral part in the Sages’ long term success. Starting in early December, the Sages took little time in between seasons to get back to work. Senior Lineman Sam Burse said, “Off season weight lifting is huge for us…being able to get back into the weight room as soon as possible is very important.”
Senior Mason High was asked about the importance of off season workouts from a team chemistry perspective, “We love being able to connect with the young guys. Obviously it’s hard sometimes to get to see them and really be able to get to know them, so this time is important and something we take advantage of.”
High added, “I think it is important to just to see who you can trust. Who is gonna show up even though we aren’t in season. Football is a game of trust and who is gonna be reliable so weight lifting is almost a trial run for any trying to prove themselves.”
The football players kicked off their fall camp and with that the end of off-season workouts. Burse stated, “Sometimes it’s sad to see it come to an end because I personally really enjoy lifting. I think it gives the guys some great comradery, getting up every morning to workout together.”
High added, “The start of the season is very exciting but there will be some things about what we do in the summer that I will miss. We have a lot of fun together.”
High later spoke on his own personal gain in the weight room, “I’ve seen a lot of improvement this year. The weight room is a huge separator on the field and it’s a facet of the game everyone can always get better at.”
Burse agreed by saying, “My bench press has gone up a lot. Coach Allen sometimes gives me praise for it. If you think about it, if you have a big enough bench, you could bench press another player, which is crucial for getting off of blocks.”
The Sages will face off against Pontiac in the highly anticipated homecoming match Friday, September 27.
Matt Swartz, Staff Writer
The Sage Informer 
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