AHS Camp offers something for all athletes
Published 7:05 pm Thursday, June 11, 2015
The Packer Power Sports Training Camp is underway for its fourth straight year and the turnout is even bigger for the camp, which pushes athletes from all sports to their physical limits and brings them to new heights.
On Thursday, the camp was scattered with players from cross country, softball, football, basketball and other sports as well. Besides running wind sprints and doing jumping drills, the group also took part in a little bit of touch football.
“They know it’s hard work, but it’s going to pay off in the end,” Austin head football coach Brett Vesel, who runs the camp, said. “We try to have some fun with it too. We understand that they’re kids and they like to have fun, but for the most part we’re going to try and get them better physically.”
While most Austin High School athletes who compete in separate sports rarely get a chance to compete together, the camp helps bring all athletes together and build a bond amongst the competitors.
“When we’re all struggling we all look at each other and we’re all doing the same thing,” Chloe Summerfield said. “Even though it’s hard, we still push each other to do our best.”
While summer demands are getting larger for prep athletes due to camps, AAU and summer practices, the Packer Power Sports Training Camp offers something that every athlete needs — hard work and conditioning.
Summerfield said there was one day where she had three separate workouts scheduled throughout the day in different sports, but she’s not about to back off.
“It’s kind of hard to manage, but I still do it,” said Summerfield, who plays forward for the Packer girls hockey team and goalie for the Packer girls soccer team. “With hockey it helps with speed and with soccer it helps with kicking. I really try to build up our endurance and quickness so we can bring it on to the field or the ice.”
Austin football player Jayden Cantu said that he feels the need to get a workout in on a daily basis.
“If I don’t do it, I feel really lazy. I like to be here to stay in shape,” he said. “During the season, we build strength and this helps you bring your endurance back.”
Cantu said workouts may be draining, but it’ll be worth it when the Packers take to the football field this Fall.
“I think we could have a really good year with thirty some seniors and we haven’t had that in awhile,” Cantu said. “We all want to stay motivated.”
The Packer Power Sports Training Camp runs until July 29 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at AHS.