The first of two weightlifting sessions came to an end for Clipper football players this spring, and head coach Eric Hermanson and his assistant coaches met with the team in the band room on May 29 to reemphasize the importance of lifting and recognize those who had made outstanding efforts.
The Clippers started the official lifting program the week after thanksgiving break on November 27 and finished on May 24th. All told, there were 73 days that players could lift with coaches present. Fifteen players lifted at least 40 of those days.
“It was the first time ever we’ve done a comprehensive lifting program,” Hermanson said. “Last year, about four or five players came in and lifted. This is incredible compared to that.”
While Hermanson and company were expecting to highlight the person who attended the most sessions, it ended up being a six-way tie. Blake Lyons, Carson Lyons, Braeden Smith, Johnny Cink, Zander Hoechst and Sam Ternes all made it to 65 sessions. Held in the school’s weight room, they started at 6:00 a.m..
Blake Lyons said despite the early hour start, there was a lot of camaraderie during the lifting sessions, and that made them fun.
“The hardest part is getting up, but it was good for all of us. It’s good team bonding.”
The largest increase in the big three weight-lifting exercises, bench press, squats and deadlift, was an award geared to the younger lifters, those first starting lifting with lots of room for gains. It went to Hoechst. When he started in November, his maximum total weight for the three lifts was 565 pounds. At the end, his total was 925 pounds for a 64-percent increase.
Other lifters with large big-three increases were Wyatt Williams (43 percent), Ternes (50 percent), Carson Lyons (41 percent), Tanner Simonette (31 percent), Noah Hermel (30 percent) and Smith (30 percent).
Those who hoisted the most total weight in the big three were Nick Simonette (1015 pounds), Blake Lyons (955 pounds) and Carson Lyons (935 pounds).
“We all push each other, Nick Simonette said. “Everyone is screaming to get the weight up, and I feel like it helps a lot.”
Other lifters who had high big-three totals were Alex Johnson (865), David Draheim (845), Hermel (875), Tanner Simonette (925), Mason Kluntz (815), Jackson Shouler (670), Smith (915), Kale Kelley (895), Henry Boelter (635) and Williams (805).
Hermanson also noted that it took parent commitment to get some of team who couldn’t drive to the early-morning sessions. He also recognized teacher Dave Cink for monitoring the lift sessions.
Hermanson expects a promising 2024 season, despite playing the same tough set of teams this year as the Clippers did in 2023.
“We’re going to be older, getting bigger. We’re going to be better than we’ve been. Everyone here is someone we want here, and we want to do whatever it takes for you to have a successful season. We are going to put you in positions where you can succeed.”
Besides increasing strength, size and speed, all necessary to be productive on a football field, weightlifting helps prevent injuries and is a big factor in boosting self-confidence, Hermanson said. Another benefit is the sense of team that comes from making a commitment together and seeing it through.
“Being there for each other all offseason early in the morning helps them believe that they will be there for each other on Friday nights in the fall.”
The summer lifting schedule started at 6:00 am on May 29 with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hermanson will review the progress again the first day of practice.
Before then are Sunday evening captains’ practices, and the five-day football summer camp starts on July 22.
Above: Weight program award winners Johnny Cink (most commitment), Zander Hoechst (most commitment, most improved), Braeden Smith (most commitment), Blake Lyons (most commitment, best big 3), Nick Simonette (best big 3), Carson Lyons (most commitment, best big 3) and Sam Ternes (most commitment).
