The summer weightlifting program ended this past Friday as this is a dead period for coaches and athletes to be together until practice starts next Friday. Plus, it gives the coaches a chance to attend the statewide clinic in Greenville to try to find that one extra technique or tip that may make a difference in being good or great for their sport.

CHSAtheltics.com caught up with Strength and Conditioning coach Stoney Lunsford after the end of workouts on Friday to get his assessment of this year’s program. Below is the exchange we had with Coach Lunsford.

What is “Summer Burn”?

It was a name I gave the summer workouts because I wanted it to be more than just weightlifting. The name comes from it being hot in the summer. I did this to acclimate them to the heat of summer both mentally and physically. It is more similar to actual activities they are going to be doing in their sports. It encourages movement and strength. There aren’t any sports moves where you stand and squat five hundred pounds and I wanted them to get the most out of their workouts.

How many athletes participated and finished “Summer Burn” this summer?

We had about 60 guys, 70 girls, and 40 rising eighth and ninth graders participate this summer. The guys had thirty possible workouts to attend and we encouraged them to make at least twenty-two. With four workouts a week that gave them two weeks off. We had some make as many as twenty-seven or twenty-eight workouts. Of the approximately 170 student athletes that participated, only about 35 didn’t complete the recommended number.

I know you have mentioned the excitement of having the girls back in the weight room this summer. Tell us why that is important?

The girls had been in the weight room for a number of years until last summer. I was glad to have them back this year and hope this isn’t an issue in the future. Coach (Jo) Webb was really helpful in helping motivate them to improve their footwork, agility, and to learn to change direction as well as improve strength.

I was most impressed when most of them didn’t stop when they got the minimum number of workouts but continued to come to improve themselves. It shows how much they are committed to want to be better too.

What makes the “Summer Burn” program so successful?

It is much more than just the kids working out. It is all the people in the community working to help make sure the kids have the things they need to get the most out of the program.

Bi-Lo donated shopping carts years ago that we use to push heavy weight around the field. They have just donated us three more carts for our use in the program.

Melvin Wilbanks at Pet Milk provided our student athletes with milk after workouts during weight classes. Food service coordinator Cindy Jacobs found a grant to help us provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bananas, and apples to make sure our athletes are getting healthy snacks.

Then there are students like Clay Webb who helped us video our Summer Burn workouts. His efforts will end up helping us see how to improve footwork and agility, proper lifting techniques, and strong man activities outside, including both boys and girls. With this we will be able to put it on the CHSAthletic.com website and YouTube to help promote our athletes and show how hard they work. Seeing a good work ethic impresses recruiters when it comes time to talk scholarships. I will also be able to use it at speaking engagements to help others visualize what we do to make our athletes stronger.

How is this going to turn into wins?

We have a lot of talent both male and female right now with great attitudes and work ethics to commit to being their best. As the strength coach I want to see a State Championship in every sport. These kids are hungry and have the work ethic to get them there. I am excited to see how their hard work this summer produces success this year in all of our sports.