The first of two weightlifting sessions started the Monday after Thanksgiving and lasted all the way through mid-May.
"It was for any students interested in getting bigger, faster and stronger," said head football coach Erik Hermanson.
He and assistant coaches met with the team on May 27 to recognize football players who made outstanding efforts during the over 60 lifts, reemphasize the importance of lifting and lay out the plans for summer training.
In the half-a-ton club (1000 combined maximum pounds in bench, squat and deadlift) were Braeden Smith, Carson Lyons, Tanner Simonette, Carsyn Ryg and Zander Hoechst.
The top three in attendance were Smith (63 sessions), Carson Lyons (61 sessions) and Pierce Lyons (61 sessions).
“The captains were present more than any group we have ever had, showing incredible leadership,” said Hermanson. “They really set the tone and got the season off to a great start.”
The younger lifters typically make the biggest gains. Starting the big three total at 405 pounds and finishing before awards day at 675 pounds, Brayden Seeman had the largest increase (66.7 percent). Charles Mons went from 350 pounds to 460 pounds for a 31.4 percent increase. Tyler Smith went from 450 pounds to 454 for a 21.1 percent increase. Pierce Lyons went from 605 pounds to 710 pounds for a 17.4 percent increase. John Cink went from 625 pounds to 655 pounds for a 4.8 percent increase.
For the veteran players, Braeden Smith went from 905 pounds to 1065 pounds for a 17.7 percent increase. Hoechst went from 965 pounds to 1120 pounds for a 16.1 percent increase. Jackson Shouler went from 835 pounds to 965 pounds for a 15.6 percent increase. Ryg went from 925 pounds to 1060 pounds for a 14.6 percent increase. Simonette went from 806 pounds to 1005 pounds for an 11 percent increase. Carson Lyons went from 975 pounds to 1064 pounds for a 9.2 percent increase.
Everyone who made at least 20 morning lifts during the winter received a 2026 lifting T-shirt. Besides those listed above, they included Jeremy Miller, Wyatt Krenik, Owen Lloyd, Blake Stocker, Jake Mueller, Kiptyn Coon, Tony Hollerich, Adam Rain, Jack Mons and Abel Hastings.
Along with the lifting, which was supervised by Matt Miller, during the winter sessions, Larry Walechka led students in yoga, while Garrett Mensing helped the athletes with explosion and speed.
The lifting program started back up after school ended with weight room sessions three days a week.
Above: Among the football players who are spending time in the school’s weight room this summer are Pierce Lyons, Tony Hollerich, Jackson Shouler, Carson Lyons, Braydon Seeman, Jeremy Miller and Jake Mueller. They are flanked by coaches Matt Miller on the left and Larry Walechka on the right.