The Importance of Summer Training

Building a Strong Foundation

Athletics Director Tricia Amrhein emphasizes the significance of summer training in providing a comprehensive athletic experience. "Having a full-time conditioning coach on campus is vital. It teaches athletes the importance of offseason training, not just in their specific sports but in overall strength and conditioning. This continuous training helps student athletes get stronger, faster, and better prepared for the demands of their sports.” 

Comprehensive Training Approach

NBPS Athletics emphasizes the transformative impact of a training program. Athletics Director Amrhein reflects, "Some of the greatest stories are of students who aren’t even interested in athletics walking through the gym door and starting to train with Coach Garrish. By the end of the school year, they're probably on the track and field team.” 

Strength and Conditioning Director and Track and Field Coach John Garrish plays a key role in evolving the summer training program. “We’ve designed a training environment that is unifying and comprehensive, incorporating methods that develop athleticism across various sports. Our training programs cater to the individual needs of athletes, focusing on movements rather than just muscles. This approach helps in preventing injuries and enhancing performance by ensuring that athletes are well-rounded and versatile." Each student-athlete arrives with a clear understanding of their personal goals, past injuries, and areas for improvement.   

Injury Prevention and Versatility 

Summer training plays a critical role in injury prevention. “For athletes training year-round, injury numbers continue to rise,” says Coach Garrish. “We address prevention by incorporating diverse movements and recovery exercises. Focusing on variability challenges the athletes' bodies in a controlled environment, preparing them for game day." Football Coach Rex Nottage adds, "The football team works on tackle movements with defensive backs and linemen's blocking techniques, which differ significantly from those of the receivers. Teaching these techniques is vital to prevent injuries during the game." 

By prioritizing injury prevention and versatility in their training programs, NBPS coaches ensure that their athletes are stronger, faster, safer and more resilient on the field. Coach Garrish advocates for multi-sport participation, recognizing its benefits for overall athletic development. "Playing multiple sports helps athletes develop a diverse skill set and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. We encourage our students to engage in different sports or activities, even if it is just playing volleyball at the beach. This variety helps them stay active and improves their overall athleticism." 

Enhancing Performance 

Coach Nottage emphasizes the necessity of offseason training to stay competitive. "The game of football is getting bigger, faster, and stronger. To compete, our athletes must take advantage of our top-notch strength training program, which focuses on explosion, strength, and power. This training is essential for developing the skills needed for the upcoming season. During the summer, we work on specific movements for each position, from blocking techniques for offensive linemen to tackling skills for defensive backs. This tailored approach ensures that each athlete is prepared for the unique demands of their role." 

Fostering Leadership 

Summer training sessions are a time for athletes to develop leadership skills. "Experienced players often step up during the summer, leading by example and motivating their teammates. This leadership is crucial as it builds team cohesion and confidence, which translates to better performance during the season. My advice is don’t expect things to be given to you.” notes Coach Nottage.

Last year, the team advanced to the district playoffs but lost in the first round. "Our hope is to go further this year, and team leaders help the team stay focused on our goal.” 

Highlights from NBPS Summer Training

At NBPS, our athletes have been working hard during the summer to ensure they are ready for the upcoming fall sports competitions. Football, volleyball, and cross country kick off on July 29, followed by golf and swimming on August 12. 

Here are impressive highlights from their summer training sessions: 

Football: The football team has been rigorously enhancing their strength and conditioning, while also meticulously refining their playbook strategies to ensure precise execution during games. 

Volleyball: The volleyball team has concentrated on sharpening their agility and coordination, essential for keeping their competitive edge in fast-paced matches. 

Cross Country: Cross country runners have been increasing their mileage and focusing on endurance training, aiming for peak performance in long-distance events. 

Swimming: Swimmers have focused on perfecting their techniques and significantly boosting their stamina, preparing to dominate in the pool. 

Golf: Golfers have been fine-tuning their swings and enhancing their mental game, crucial for achieving consistency and excellence on the course. 

With this level of dedication and preparation, NBPS athletes are poised for a successful and competitive fall season. 

Looking Ahead 

The upcoming athletic season is filled with anticipation and excitement. "We had a successful year last year with several state championships and individual titles, and we’re eager to build on that momentum," says Athletics Director Amrhein. "Our summer training has set a solid foundation, and we look forward to another year of excellence in athletics." 

With the dedication and hard work displayed during summer training, NBPS athletes are poised for a successful season. Summer training is more than just physical preparation; it is about building a culture of excellence, resilience, and teamwork. With the dedication of our coaches and the challenging work of our student-athletes, NBPS is set for another outstanding year in athletics.