Hydration emphasized while working out
By Sam Waller
After working around Fandangle participation the last two weeks, Albany Junior/Senior High’s summer conditioning program dealt with holiday absences this week as the boys portion of the program continued.
Albany head football coach said a drop in participation at this time is typical.
“We had our morning workouts this week, but we didn’t do anything in the afternoons,” Faith said. “With Fandangle over, a lot of kids are taking their vacations now. We always have that during the Fourth of July week.”
The program is open to all incoming seventh through 12th graders who plan to participate in interscholastic sports.
Boys sessions will continue Monday through Thursday each week through July 20. Workouts are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. each day and include weight lifting, agility drills and conditioning. Skill workouts are held at 5:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
Faith cautioned athletes to be aware of heat-related issues as temperatures have regularly been near or above 100 degrees recently.
“The guys need to be getting plenty of fluids, water, or sports drinks, not so much Dr Peppers,” he said. “We’re telling them every morning to bring plenty of water, and we try to have some available. You can’t get enough water when it’s hot.”
Faith said the advice also applies outside conditioning sessions.
“We have a lot of guys working in the sun,” he said. “It gets hard carrying a weedeater and those kinds of things. Whatever they’re doing, if they’re outside at this time of year, they need to stay hydrated.”
While the heat dome that kept temperatures around 110° for nearly two weeks made workouts difficult even in the relative cool of the mornings, getting used to such conditions will pay off when preseason practices begin.
“Those who are doing it and are getting out in the sun are going to be better off for it when two-a-days roll around,” Faith said.
Girls sessions resume Monday, July 17 following a two-week break. Sessions will be 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Sport-specific instruction will be held 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Mondays for high school athletes and Tuesdays for junior high athletes.
The girls program will conclude Thursday, July 27.
Summer workouts are subject to UIL regulations.
Preseason practice for high school football and volleyball will begin Monday, July 31.
Junior high sports cannot hold practice until school starts.
