EAGLES’ PRIDE
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2015-2016
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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