Student athletes participate in Lions Performance Training

Not only is the Clear Lake School District trying to build better student athletes, but a new program at the school is also teaching teamwork, trust, cooperation, hard work, dedication and commitment.

This summer Clear Lake athletes began participating in Lions Performance Training (LPT).  Five, 90-minute sessions are offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning starting at 6 a.m. and continuing until 10 a.m.  The different sessions were available for all Clear Lake athletes in grades five to 12.  The program is designed to help athletes understand how to move their body correctly when performing typical athletic requirements like sprinting, jumping and changing body direction.  Each 90-minute session is divided into 20-30 minutes in the gym working on movements, and 45-60 minutes in the weight room working on strength.  All weight room exercises are based on ground-based, multi-jointed movements.  All athletes learn how to squat, clean and press correctly.

“We have a lot of fun,” said Troy Tysdahl, a coach at Clear Lake.  “Athletes are improving their speed, strength, agility, flexibility, conditioning and overall athletic performance. These exercises are also beneficial in preventing injuries.”

Participants learn the basics and are taught good fundamentals and techniques at an early age.  In addition to the physical aspects, by working out with teammates on a consistent basis, teamwork and dedication are established.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of all of our Clear Lake coaches, as they see the benefits will transfer to each of their specific sports,” said Tysdahl.

The current LPT program is a collaborative effort of many coaches, according to Tysdahl.  The program started a few years ago when football coach Jared DeVries and coach Jesse Collins, a former trainer and now middle school football coach, started summer sessions.  The program has now been expanded and adjusted to the model that is in use today.

The LPT program will run year-around.  In-season athletes will participate in at least two LPT sessions a week and off-season athletes will attend three to four sessions a week.  During the school year there are both morning and after school sessions.  During the summer months a camp fee is charged to cover expenses incurred by the program.  During the school year the program is free to participating student athletes.