At North Augusta High School, the athletes go beyond just mandated practices and game times. It is crucial for athletes to be in good shape during the season and the off season of their sports, thus they take gym class during school hours. Yes, it is required to take at least one gym class before you graduate, but for junior athletes Kadence Adams and Kylie McNair, gym class is much more. Both girls participate in sports for North Augusta High School and take girls’ weightlifting to be in their best possible shape to perform well.
Everything has had to change this year- how we go to school, how we participate in sports, and many other things. The athletic department has had to face many changes with the Corona virus, and the leadership of the new coach, Coach Bryant. When junior Kadence Adams was asked what has changed the most about her weightlifting class this year, she said, “The biggest change for me has been the change in teacher. Last year our weightlifting coach was Coach Bush and this year we have Coach Bryant. It is definitely different for me but the people who have never taken weightlifting before are probably not affected by that.” Under the direction of a new coach things are bound to change, but the pandemic has also caused changes within the class. Students are no longer allowed to change into gym clothes within the locker room in order to follow social distancing guidelines. Junior Kylie McNair was asked how this has affected her experience, to which she says, “Not dressing out has affected the class because we aren’t able to work out like we used to, and it isn’t as fun.” Adams says, “Since we haven’t been able to dress out, we haven’t been able to do our normal workouts. We’ve had to do stuff that doesn’t require us to dress out which is difficult. We have been doing very basic workouts since we have not been able to use the weight room either.” Although our athletes have faced many challenges this year, the coaches and students have been able to overcome them and continue to work hard.
Yet another change to the gym classes is the new facilities they will soon be able to use. This includes a new weight room, a practice gym, and a performance gym. Jacket basketball and volleyball will be played in these facilities, but they will also help some of our other North Augusta High School students. Every day during school hours the gym and weightlifting classes will be taking full advantage of these new luxuries. McNair states, “ I am so excited to get in the new facility and use the new equipment!” Along with her excitement, Adams says, “I am very excited to see the new weight room. It’s so much better compared to what we’ve had in the past years.”
This year has brought some crazy curveballs that has made for a challenging year. From the football team, to cheerleading, to even the girls weightlifting classes - the immense precaution and effort the athletic department has put into making this year as smooth as possible is recognized and appreciated.
Photographer: Kadence Adams
Pictured from left to right:
Top row- Rylee Hendrix, Emily Greenway, Kylie Mcnair, Shae Smith, Greer Worley
Bottom row- Shelby Smith, Emma Shiver, and Madi Usry
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