At the midpoint of the high school football offseason, former, current and even some new faces make their way to the practice fields. From working on the basic fundamentals, to lifting weights and staying in shape, every aspect of the game is highlighted even if kickoff is months away.

So what do coaches and athletes think is important during the “Dog Days of Winter“? Here’s my two cents, along with their viewpoint as well.

Relax, but don’t let yourself go

As a person that has spoken to many coaches across the board of various sports, the one thing many coaches stress is to stay in shape, not relax a little bit and enjoy your time to yourself. As former Jesuit baseball coach John Crumbley coined to his former pitcher Brad Radke, “mentally excited, physically relaxed”. Plenty of players participate in other activites such as track, baseball and wrestling. Those sports can keep a guy in great form.

Chattin: It’s all about staying committed

“What I look at most importantly is the commitment level of the young men and their willingness to put the time and effort into what we are trying to get accomplished. We can all say things that we are going to do and how we are going to do them but until you get under some weight and physically have to move it or run sprint after sprint after sprint, then you haven’t actually done anything but talk. I’m in a results driven business and need to see how the young men will react when they get tired. Will they try to cut reps and not run that last sprint.. If they cut corners here, then they will surely take the path of least resistance on Friday night and that isn’t what we are looking for.”

— new Lennard High School football coach Keith Chattin

Bautista: Work hard and results will come