Back at it: Packer athletes hit the strength and conditioning camp with a new look

Published 7:01 am Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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It was s a cool, cloudy morning at Wescott Athletic Complex and the Austin Packers were back at it.

After a three month hiatus, Austin High School students are being allowed to get out and get moving under the guidance of Jacy Bodi, who runs the summer Austin strength and conditioning camp.

While last year’s camp focused on time in the weight room, Bodi has been forced to adjust his schedule this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The workouts have been moved outdoors and weights will not be used for two weeks.

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“I think it’s really important (for athletes to get out here),” Bodi said. “I’d like to have more time, but with how many athletes we have interested in it, this is kind of what we settled on. It’s very important for us to prepare them to make sure they don’t get injured during the workout (when weights come in).”

For now, the focus is to get athletes moving again.

Some have stayed busy through the shutdown and moving is natural to them, while others are still struggling to catch up to speed.

“It’s a shock to the body,” said Grace Bobby, who will be a senior this fall. “But it’s good to be out here with all of our teammates, working towards the season and seeing growth. Being with a group gives you motivation to do more.”

Logan O’Rourke, who will be a senior this fall, tore his ACL during football season last year and it’s been a long road to recovery. He was thrilled to be among the 20 or so Packers in his morning group who were shaking off the athletic rust.

“It’s good to be out here. I like to see that we’re at least attempting to get some physical activity in, even with all of this craziness that’s going on right now. It’s good to get together and just enjoy some time here at the field,” O’Rourke said. “It’s a little bit challenging. I’m definitely going to be sore tomorrow, but it’s good to be out here. It’s something we need. Everyone’s been cooped up in the house and not being able to do anything. Getting outside and getting some activity in is helping us reduce the stress and anxiety.”

Bodi said he took some time to work through protocols and regulations, but he has figured out a way to give students a push while honoring social distancing protocols and keeping everyone healthy. When weights are introduced to the program in two weeks, they’ll be assigned to one athlete and will not be shared without being cleaned.

“It’s definitely a change up from what we’re used to,” Bodi said. “A lot has changed. These first two weeks will be helpful in getting them back to where they need to be.”

The camp runs throughout the day in pods of 24 students or less. Athletes must bring their own water supply and they are instructed not to share with others.

The camp meets three days per week and will run until Aug. 6. There are still open spots in the afternoon sessions and any Austin High School students interested in registering can visit austinpackeractivitities.com.