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EAGLES’ PRIDE

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2015-2016

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31

Gatlin:

You could hear his voice all over the field. Awesome staff.  (Former

Oilers) Willie Tullis and Johnny Meads.  Robin Kirk (now at HISD Austin).

Stephen Dickson (now at HISD Reagan). Donald Douglas, who played

quarterback at Florida and UH. The practices were intense. The coaches were

intense with each other. They would challenge each other. ‘Why are we running

that?’ Tullis really helped me get ready for the next level. Techniques, mental

toughness. He played a big role in pushing me forward.

January 2015 at Los Dos Amigos (RIP) on Washington Avenue

What sort of positive changes and growth have you seen in private school

athletics in the last five years in Texas?

Netzel:

There’s no question the overall landscape has improved substantially,

particularly in the higher classifications within TAPPS. There’s better coaching,

more talent moving on to every level of college athletics. I believe parents see

that if they do their homework. The notion that it’s easier to make a St. Thomas

team, easier to get playing time, that future options are somehow compromised is

simply not true. It’s not true in athletics, not true in debate, not true in the drama

department, not true at any rung within the school. We present opportunities to

excel but you have to compete to earn that opportunity. It’s an important part of

the educational experience we offer.  

I believe there’s more respect now within the state for the private programs than

ever before. And while we’re making the most of what TAPPS can provide us

in terms of infrastructure, we’re seeking additional exposure to create options

and positive experiences for our student-athletes, whether it’s football playing in

Toronto, basketball in San Diego, wrestling and rugby in national showcases.

March 2015 at Avalon Diner on Westheimer Road

You see time and again that the physical demands on high school athletes

are never ending. Not so much one sport after another, but one sport

month after month, one season after season, with spring or fall sessions,

and summer select teams, and the travel circuits, and the skill camps and

weekend showcases. It’s essentially a non-stop 12-month cycle. What’s the

concern on wear-and-tear/over-saturation and when does the importance

of authentic strength and conditioning enter into the mix?

Netzel:

I think it’s one of the biggest challenges we have. And it’s certainly not

just St. Thomas. There’s a mindset to lock-in almost exclusively on skill work and

competition.  But why is that viewed as the only window for improvement?  

There are so many additional options, more resources than ever, to train the entire

athlete.  Speed and agility ... core strength ... positive mental exercise. You have to

build a body to last.  

But you have to be willing to put the bat down, put the ball down, in order to

recharge your body, support that developing body to endure the grind.

In baseball, it’s about moving your body in space. In basketball, adding strength

with flexibility. Sport science is now available to achieve those goals but you have

to be willing to get away from the game at some point.

We’re seeing more and more breakdowns with arms in baseball ... knees, ankles,

joints in basketball and soccer. And if guys are not injured, then they’re physically

and mentally fatigued, drained, beat-up, and that drains confidence. They’re simply

not in a position to peak their best performance at the most important time.

What we’re trying to do at St. Thomas, while our guys are on campus during the

academic year, is incorporate some sort of strength and conditioning ethic. We

want them to build that base, hopefully have them see the benefits and then

continue throughout the summer. We’re putting in to instill those habits ... but

there’s still a lot of room to grow the dynamic.

Given the competitive climate which has existed for decades, only a few isolated

athletes would consider stepping away from off-season select teams and

competition. Obviously that’s where so many kids are seen and evaluated by

college coaches, where the recruiting relationships take root. Virtually no one is

compromising that opportunity. So how does the puzzle fit? That’s what we’re

trying to determine.

Flashing rather good form with those crinkle fries. The by-product of

previous experience no doubt.

Netzel:

Notice the flawless technique. Just enough ketchup to enhance the flavor.

An effective body lean supported by abs that have been honed by hours of

conditioning. Eyes focused on the target all the way to contact.  No elbows on the

table. Thanks, Mom.

Impressive. Particularly the abs ... no doubt honed by hours upon hours.

FIRST MONDAY WITH MIKE