Football players are getting into the weight room after school Tuesday through Friday now that the regular season has ended.

Off-season lifting is significant for student-athletes. It helps them maintain and improve their physical condition when they’re not in the middle of their sports season. This type of training can lead to better performance in school sports by building strength and endurance and reducing the risk of injuries. It instills discipline and time management skills, balancing academics and athletics effectively.

According to coach Hunter Rodriguez, the primary goal of off-season lifting is to “keep improving our athletes and keep increasing their abilities to lift weights and get better for their upcoming sport. To encourage athletes to keep coming to lifting.”

Rodriguez said,” Creating a good environment and culture where we will work hard and want to improve. The more people we get, the better it is, primarily with our friends.”

Rodriguez said the main focus of off-season lifting is trying to get better and not to miss a day.

A lot of time is taken into offseason lifting, but the players need to be ready for their sport. They do this by doing off-season lifting. “Off-season lifting isn’t just about getting stronger; it’s about building discipline, setting the tone, and being ready for next season,” sophomore Kaden Schaefer said.

Off-season lifting is vital to an athlete’s training. By dedicating time to off-season lifting, athletes can return to their sports stronger and more prepared for the demands of the competitive season.