As the school year kicks off, students recall their summer beach vacations and their break from academic worries during the past three months.  While many students relished in their annual escapade to freedom, CHS athletes spent their time rigorously training and preparing for the fall season.

At the beginning of the fall season, athletes find themselves without a spare moment in their unyielding training schedules.  Many found it useful to begin their training over their summer break as there was nothing else to worry about except preparing for the upcoming season.
Under MCPS policy, teams are not allowed to hold out-of-season practices. Athletes therefore typically train independently, and some began their training as early as last spring.

“I run every day,” sophomore cross country athlete Rachel Beiser said.  “I do stretches, warm ups, and cool downs. My actual workout is at least a few miles a day.”

Running is also a common workout for athletes in other sports, not just cross country, as it raises endurance and stamina.

According to sophomore soccer athlete Crispin Muessle, training by running and working out help him get back into shape for the season.

While many athletes practice regularly on their own, others may attend outside of school camps and clinics to sharpen their skills.

“We offer clinics in the spring for skills and maintenance,” cheerleading coach Brandi Richardson said.  “Many members of the team [also] go to camp together right before the season starts.”

With intense summer workouts, athletes and coaches can often see the effects of the dedication athletes have for their team’s success.

“Anyone that simply shows up and expects to do well without preparation should think twice and take a reality check,” cross country coach Steven Bettis said. “You get exactly what you put in.”