Los Fresnos track, golf coaches find ways to keep their athletes active

By DAVE FAVILA
LFN

LOS FRESNOS – It’s a difficult time to be a high school athlete right now, to say the least.

As of April 13, Los Fresnos CISD shut down all athletics and the UIL has informed all districts throughout the state that the earliest teams might be able to return to competition could be May 4.

This unprecedented situation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly problematic for those athletes who compete in spring sports such as softball, baseball, golf, and track and field.

The Los Fresnos girls track team, for example, was to have participated in the Jim Hudson Relays on March 13-14 in La Feria, but LCISD stepped in and proactively prohibited the team from going. Therefore, it’s been going on four weeks since the team has last competed.

Regardless of the athletic shutdown, Los Fresnos girls track coach Brent Blackman is finding ways to keep his athletes in shape.

“We are about to start body weight workouts via Zoom,” he said. “This means everyone can see who is participating, and we as coaches can see and motivate our athletes as they work. I will continue to send out running workouts and hopefully we can stay ready for top competition.”

Luis Gonzalez, the Falcons’ golf coach, is also staying in touch with his athletes and trying to find ways to keep them active.

“It’s important to keep them flexible and moving,” he said. “Our strength and conditioning coach is setting up a curriculum for all athletes. Exercise and active movements are important during these times. It also allows students an escape from their surroundings.”

Gonzalez remains optimistic that his team will still be able to compete this season, especially since it showed so much promise.

“Our boys team is young (one senior, two sophomores and two freshmen) and they matured a lot in the past year,” Gonzalez said. “We are excited to see how they can finish.

“Meanwhile, our girls program is the strongest in the Valley. “Our first team hopes to make a strong run at state this year and our second team is looking to beat all other 6A teams in the Valley. This break, while unfortunate, may help remind us the important role sports plays in a child’s life. We hope they state safe and limit movement.”

Blackman also said he hopes his athletes learn a lesson from all this.
“Our motto this year is ‘Live in the Uncomfortable’ and it fits better than ever during these uncharted waters,” he said. “More importantly than athletics, I hope these girls have learned valuable lifelong lessons that will make them better daughters and sisters now, and eventually great moms and powerful women.”

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