Page 95 - 1980

ey, wait up!”
“ O.K. That was a tough practice!”
‘‘Yeah, the coach is really trying to get us
ready for the big game. Are you nerv­
ous?”
‘‘You bet, my whole life depends on
this game!”
Practice and pressure . . . probably the
two most visible things on a team. Every
player strains their energy out from their
bodies in the hope and anticipation of a
victory.
But what does it take? Practice. From
August to June, athletes could be seen
running through the halls on cold days,
coming to late night practices, and lifting
weights after school. Showing up was
mandatory. A very valid excuse, such as
death, was the only way out of a ‘black
mark’.
Holiday practices were vital. Schools
which bussed found it next to impossible
to hold practice because their players
lived on opposite sides of the city.
Pressure started to build. Pep rallies,
cheerleaders, and Parent Boosters sup­
ported the players by letting them know
that we were behind them all the way.
The rewards came often. State
wk. champs, record holders, and medalists
made our name known.
Thoughts still ran wild in each athlete’s
1
m mind; ‘‘What if I fumble on our 1-yard
line?” , ‘‘What if all the Gatorade is
m gone?” , or ‘‘I bet the girl guarding me is a
part-time lady wrestler.”
Practice and pressure . . . Proved con­
querable by our teams. Even when we
■■ were on the short end of the stick, we
were still there to cheer our teams on.
Finally, a feeling of victory which further
proves our theory o f. . . “Smaller is Bet­
ter.”

Pre-season conditioning started early for the football team. July through August,
two-a-day practices were normal. Conditioning was important, for the athletes had
to get in shape for the coming grueling season The time also allowed for the
aches and pains to tone down. After the conditioning, the technical aspects of the
game were covered. The gridders were ready to use thir strength In an array of
plays.

Sports Division, Practice and Pressure 91