District strength program reports large participation growth and lift gains
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Summary
High school and junior-high strength-and-conditioning coaches reported increased participation, higher lift averages and capacity limits as classes approach max enrollment.
Cape Girardeau 63 school coaches told the board the district school strength-and-conditioning program has expanded to serve hundreds of student-athletes and produced measurable strength gains.
Aaron King, the high-school strength and conditioning coach, and Darren Neals, Terry W. Kitchen Junior High athletic fitness instructor, presented program metrics showing notable year-to-year increases in core lifts and participation. "From last summer to this past spring, we had a 15-pound increase on three of our four core movements, bench, hang clean, and squat, and a nearly 40-pound jump for our trap-bar deadlift," King said.
Presenters told the board the high school recorded three new 500-pound squats and three 600-pound deadlifts this year, compared with two in the prior four years combined. Average lifts for high-school athletes rose as well; the presenters said the program now sees average deadlifts near 310 pounds and lifts forming a stronger foundation for sport-specific training.
Neals described junior-high gains and capacity constraints. He said the junior high runs multiple classes and morning sessions and served more than 300 athletes in the second semester. "We're pretty well maxed out in terms of the numbers of kids that we can put in there," Neals said, noting eight racks and roughly 24 students per class limit expansion without additional facility capacity.
Board members praised the student-adult relationships coaches reported and asked staff to consider facility and scheduling options to expand access to the program.
