After school, students look for a place to work out as media and self-esteem issues continue to drive the fitness craze. Yet, memberships to a gym cost money and if a person lacks the personal drive to stick with an exercise routine, the “I’ll do it tomorrow” mentality soon finds that “tomorrow” never comes.

An after school conditioning program offers an on campus alternative to this predicament. As some sports have concluded their seasons and others sports have yet to begin, students are looking for a way to stay in shape.

“Even though it is just for an hour, I am still sore the day after,” Kara Linkowski, ’08, said. “It is nice to know that the hard work we put in now will help us for our next sports season.”

For several years, the school has been holding this program to keep athletes in shape.

“Having this conditioning trains us and keep us in shape,” David Quenzer, ’07, said. “I am looking forward to a successful football season next year, and the first step is getting in shape.”

After school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, students go out to the field and condition.

“We stretch and exercise,” Tim Wiborn, ’06, said. ” It is a lot of work but it is not that bad.”

This program has been going on for three weeks in a five-week time period.

“We do this after school conditioning to help students not in sports,” Ericlee Gilmore, track coach, said. “It helps students be on the same level as the students playing sports now.”

As Larry Orender, volleyball coach, and Gilmore spend their afternoons with students, the probability of incurring injuries lessens as the students train themselves to be fit for their upcoming sports.

“This can help us be ready for anything,” Wilborn said. “I am going to be in track, so this can help me prepare for the season.”

Some students find that the actual exercise is beneficial.

“I like running and exercising,” Leah Fynaut, ’08, said. “Sometimes it is nice to be able to do more, especially since it gets me ready for sports.”

For more information regarding the after school sports program, contact Gilmore at 299-1695, ext. 140.