Jan. 5, 2011
OUR CULTURE CHANGE BEGINS WITH COMMITMENT TO CONDITIONING
It's
only 40 days from the first day of practice until the regular season ends. Considering 17 days for games/scrimmages and eight
Sundays, we have only 35 days of practice this year. We will not be wasting time in February and March with conditioning.
Small portions of practice will be dedicated to maintaining our speed and conditioning, but to put our practice time to best
use we must be in game shape on Feb. 14.
To achieve the level of conditioning we need to be successful,
we must put in the effort now. The weekly running will be self-monitored and up to the individual to complete the regimen.
Periodically we will come together as a team to test our endurance and measure our improvements. Do not doubt for a moment
that those who do not make the commitment will be passed by their teammates and the results will be reflected in playing time
during the season. ... It's simply not good enough to get out for a casual jog anymore. Nor is it acceptable to sit by and
allow your teammates to coast by without putting in the time and effort needed to make us a competitive team. We are a Varsity
program in the toughest conference in the state and it's time we take that challenge head-on.
The
workout sessions will be difficult and perhaps a little bit of a shock to some. It's time for a culture change with this program.
Don't be intimidated, though. Follow your workouts as instructed. If you find that you can't meet the suggested times, just
keep working. Remember this is designed to increase your overall level of conditioning. If you complete each routine, YOU
WILL SEE RESULTS. So will the coaches.
I was thoroughly impressed by the potential I saw this fall
and look forward to working with you through the winter. Potential is only potential, though. To turn what "could be"
into actual WINS for the Sabres, we must take this next step as a team and commit to conditioning.
Coach
Murphy
