Summer conditioning underway

By Sam Waller

Albany enjoyed a good turnout this week for the start of its summer conditioning program, which got underway Monday, June 13.

Lions football coach Denney Faith said about 25 athletes attended the first two morning sessions, while Lady Lions basketball coach Tate Thompson reported about 20 girls have been taking part.

“We could always use a few more, but I know there were several who were at different camps or on vacation,” Faith said. “I think we’ll have more show up as we go along.”

Summer workouts are regulated by UIL rules.

Boys summer sessions are from 7:00 a.m. to about 8:30 a.m. each Monday through Thursday until July 21, except for July 4. Workouts include weight lifting, agility drills, and conditioning.

Boys are also conducting afternoon skill sessions twice a week. Faith said the one-hour sessions are being held at 5:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Girls sessions are scheduled for Monday through Thursday through June 30, then from July 18 through July 28. Daily sessions are 9:00-10:00 a.m.

“It’s just an hour of footwork, running, lifting, stuff to strengthen their knees, and things like that,” Thompson said. “We took a little step back on sport-specific stuff this year. It’s just strength and conditioning.”

Two basketball open gym sessions remain for girls – 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 20 and Monday, June 27.

Volleyball will have sport-specific instruction  10:30-11:30 a.m. on four Thursdays – June 23 and 30 and July 14 and 21.

Preseason practices for high school football and volleyball begin Monday, Aug. 1. Junior high sports cannot hold practices until school starts.

“I’ll be getting a letter out to all the football players at the end of this month or the first part of July,” Faith said. “Their paperwork will be in it. If they didn’t get a physical in May, they’ll need one before they start practicing on Aug. 1.”