With teeth clenched and knees bent, Zach Buchanan, 16, lifted 350 pounds once before needing his spot.
As other students are enjoying their final month away from classes, area athletes have been spending their time at school in the weight room preparing for fall sports.
"I want to get faster, stronger and bigger," he said. "You can't just show up for practice when school starts."
Fox Creek and North Augusta high schools have allowed student athletes to use facilities during the off-season. The time also gives students a chance to see teammates and get to know one another before official practices begin.
Zach's brother, Devan, 14, will be a freshman at Fox Creek this fall. Working out with his brother gives him a chance to meet potential teammates and classmates before his first day.
"I have friends, and they do make plans without me, but I'd rather be in here working toward a goal that's long term," Devan said.
A white board in the gym posts lifting records of athletes. Devan said it's his goal to be on the board by the end of summer and continue to move up as the year progresses.
Fox Creek assistant football coach Steven Leathers said he offers two sessions a day. Many opt for the afternoon session so they still get to sleep in, but he said he can definitely tell a difference in those that make the effort to be there.
"It's not mandatory, but when it comes to practice, you can noticeably see who's been working and who hasn't, so it does kind of affect who gets to play," he said.
Time in the gym during the summer also translates to more time to work on plays when official practice starts Aug. 9.
"When we start practices, we want to focus on plays and the game, we don't have time to work on improving things that could have been done in the gym during the summer," coach Leathers said.
Before heading back to school, North Augusta High students take a "dead" period to enjoy some final free time before school, Athletic Director Mike Snyder said.
"Fall sports begin practice on Aug. 1," he said. "Most teams have been conditioning throughout the summer ... and completed their summer camps."
Reach Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com
