IRON JACKS

Diboll athletes forgo summer rest for rigorous workout program

BY RUSSELL PAYNE

Sports Editor

What is an Iron Jack?

Well, in order to find out, one needs to look to the Summer workout program at Diboll High. Coach Gary Martel and his staff have instituted a program for athletes in the Diboll Athletic Program known as the Iron Jack Summer Workout.

The program consists of numerous activities designed to build strength, speed and increase conditioning for athletic competition in the Fall. The program is open to both male and female student athletes in the Diboll Athletics Department.

"Its good for us in football," Adrian Vasquez told us, while Kayla Martel iterated, "and volleyball!"

Vasquez and Martel are just a couple of the Diboll Student Athletes that are participating in the Summer workout sessions. Another of the daily workout faithful is Ryan Whitworth. When asked how he felt about forgoing the regular Summer routine other kids are doing, "It is a good way to start your day, you get up and do it and it makes you feel good; after a cold shower," Whitworth exclaimed.

Martel says you feel a little groggy when you first wake-up, "but then you feel good about yourself." As for Vasquez, "Its alright with me, after I get a good breakfast."

The program is done four days a week and has a morning and afternoon session. The only time they are not in there is on Wednesday evenings and Fridays they get the entire day off to relax.

The workouts are certainly a test of personal strength and endurance. They go through a very physically challenging weight training program, as well as running and conditioning exercises. "Ia very proud of our groups that have been showing up," Athletic Director/ Head Football Coach Gary Martel said.

Each workout is free to the students and according to Coach Martel all he is asking for is a little commitment and effort from the athletes to come up to the school and participate.

Vasquez believes the Iron Jack program is a very important part of the preparation needed for competition next season. "Its going to be good for us especially in all of the sports that we play," Vasquez said.

"Its going to get us ready to be district champions," Martel stated. Whitworth chimed in, "state champions."

With high energy workouts this group of Iron Jacks is also developing high goals. Each of them truly exemplifies what the program is about and their commitment will certainly payoff when the Fall season's arrive.

The Iron Jack program will continue throughout the Summer.