By ADRIANA GUTH-BOROWSKI – Weight lifting, catching, throwing, and indoor games.

Many off-season sports have already got a jump on the season with winter conditioning.

During the off season, it is important for athletes to continue gaining strength. Many sports have already begun weight lifting.

The IHS football team has morning lifting sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as well as  after school practices throughout the entire week. The softball team has lifting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school as well.

Softball also uses the gymnasium to practice hitting and throwing. “Indoor practices are helpful because we are able to get in a lot of hitting and throwing before going onto the field,” expressed junior Alexis Bonatch.  “Lifting helps us gain strength and agility, which benefits us during regular season.”

The baseball team has also begun practicing. The team participates in indoor hitting practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They also work on their pitching and catching on Sundays.

Many teams at IHS utilize the S and T Bank Arena indoor turf. The boy’s and girl’s tennis team has indoor practices on Friday. “The Friday clinics give all players a chance to play some tennis in the winter. It is especially great for those who want to try tennis out in the first place,” stated junior Zack Palko. “Since it’s optional, everyone has a laid back feel and no one is pressuring anyone to the point of an uncomfortable mood.”

The boys and girls lacrosse team have practices on Sundays on the indoor turf. The girls lacrosse team also lift on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“The preseason practices mainly benefit us as it helps the younger players get acquainted with how the team operates and gives us a head start into what will be happening during the year,” said sophomore Max Kovalchick. “My favorite part is definitely scrimmiging, as it really shows the capabilities of everyone, myself included, on the team. It also gives everyone game-like experiences, which I learn more from than anything.”

The track and field team has a winter session that helps all the spring athletes get into shape. The team has practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This winter opportunity keeps runners in shape during the colder months. On weekends, there are indoor competitions with other schools.

[Photo By: Adriana Guth-Borowski]

Photo Caption: “Juniors Ceci Sherwood (right) and Amelia Kuzneski go head to head during a scrimmage.”