There are a plethora of different ways to advance one’s performance in athletics. Usually strategies vary between sports: a batting drill for baseball players or box jumps for sports like volleyball and basketball. One universal practice that can help athletes from an array of sports can be found in the school’s basement. Lifting can help baseball players sail their bombs further and basketball players get an inch closer to that elusive slam dunk.

During competitive games, each team battles attempting to outwork their foe on the field, court, or rink to gain the upper hand. High school basketball coach Tim Notke famously said, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” This quote rings true with many athletes, pushing them to their limits each game, attempting to assert their superiority or battle their way to an upset. However, often overlooked is the less glamorous hard work that is not reflected on the scoreboard, that which takes place in the offseason pushing iron in the weight room. 

It is evident in physical sports like football and hockey that strength is a huge asset for players wielding it. The stronger these athletes are, the easier they can control and overpower their rivals. Stronger athletes can withstand contact without faltering and possess the ability to dish out punishing hits when necessary. Senior Montay Washington, who played on the varsity football team in the fall, works out frequently stating that “It enhances my [athletic performance] greatly.” Nevertheless, most sports do not feature such apparent bouts of strength and power. 

In a sport like tennis, strength remains a key factor in matches, only in a more subtle way. Being a stronger player can sway a match, one hard swing at a time. Junior Brianna Santucci notes the advantage that working out has given her, “It improves my strength, to help me play better: hitting the ball harder on my serves and returns.” Especially at the varsity level, Brianna says how a strong swing can be a big difference maker in edging out opponents. That harder serve is built in the gym rather than on the court. 

Although athletes have a range of goals depending on their sport and position, all athletes can benefit from strength training and the increases in power output that will ensue. It is the time spent out of sight, getting stronger that wins championships.