Norfolk Academy student-athletes spend summer training for upcoming seasons
NORFOLK, Va. — For many people, summer is a time for rest, relaxation and fun in the sun. For a large group of Norfolk Academy (NA) student-athletes, it is also a time to work hard in preparation for upcoming sports seasons.
Throughout the summer, Academy coaches led a conditioning program for middle and upper school student-athletes. Workouts emphasized speed, strength, agility and overall fitness, and time was divided between the gym and the weight room.
From mid-June into mid-August, student-athletes participated three days a week. Coaches were also available a fourth day for open gym workouts.
Leading the instruction were teacher and coach Steve Monninger, Academy’s director of fitness, strength and conditioning, and Paul Carrezola, the school’s new strength and conditioning coach. Carrezola is replacing Larry McCarthy who retired in June after 19 years. Teacher-coaches from various sports also helped out.
Director of Athletics Chad Byler was pleased with the number of student-athletes who participated. On some days, more than 100 students showed up who will be playing on middle school, junior varsity and varsity teams.
“It prepares them physically and mentally for the upcoming sports season and creates a culture of toughness and commitment,” Byler said.
Monninger designs exercise routines intended to support student-athletes in all sports by helping them become faster and stronger. Such training is particularly valuable for middle schoolers, teaching them how to take care of their bodies, perform drills and properly use equipment, so that once they advance to junior varsity and varsity level they know the exercises and the best ways to improve themselves. “It’s vital that they build a foundation,” Monninger said.
Monninger was also pleased with the turnout for summer conditioning. In his twelfth year at Academy, he believes this year’s attendance was the strongest yet, and that bodes well for Bulldog teams this school year. “I give these kids so much credit,” Monninger said.
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