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Nolan Catholic athletes encouraged to continue creative workouts despite closures

With the announcement of school closures and UIL’s extended suspension of all contests and practices, it’s going to be difficult for athletes around the state to stay focused. Coaches are taking to social media to remind their athletes that even if they’re stuck at home, there are still things they can do and household products they can use to continue their workouts even while they’re social distancing.

Something you may come across on social media, though, is a group of athletes from Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth posting their creative workouts thanks to their coaches Coach David Beaudin, Coach K.J. Williams and the rest of the coaching staff. The coaches are hosting Zoom and Google Classroom meetings in order to encourage the kids to remain active in their workouts.

The challenges started spreading on social media Monday, March 16 with Coach Williams posting a challenge to Nolan student athletes on twitter:

Immediately following his challenge, the strength and conditioning coach showed that he is willing to practice what he preaches with a video of himself doing the challenge he presented to the athletes. Coach Williams says the staff meets virally on Sundays to develop a plan for the week. He bounces his workout challenge ideas off of friends, family and other coaches before presenting them to his athletes.

“We really strive to create a fun atmosphere in the weight room and I think the culture of our program is carrying over to the home workouts.” Coach Williams told me in a virtual interview.

There’s an overwhelming sense of uncertainty sweeping the nation in regards to the novel coronavirus. With spring sports being cancelled until as early as May 4th, it looks as though summer workouts may be postponed and we may not see more high school sports until Fall sports begin.

For any coach who may be scrambling to keep their athletes focused, they shouldn’t fear. “I would suggest continuing to find creative ways to keep [the athletes] engaged and active.” Coach Williams said. “The most important part is communication. During this time, I feel like student athletes need constant reminders of what they’re working towards, especially right now when they don’t know what’s next.”

For athletes who are uncertain about their future and what does come next, it’s about answering adversity says Coach Williams. “Coaches always talk about response to adversity… This is a chance for athletes to answer that call and respond to adversity.” Coach Williams says that athletes need to reinforce what their coaches have been preaching to them: “Hard work, dedication, accountability and discipline.”

You’ll find a lot of unique ways the athletes at Nolan Catholic High School are performing their workouts on twitter. Coach Williams commented specifically on one of his defensive linemen who used his family as his workout equipment.

Even Coach Williams has used his family as workout equipment in order to be a creative example to his athletes:

You can see more challenges posted by the athletes below or find more on twitter! If you have a creative way to keep your athletes working out during this break, tag us on social media!

https://twitter.com/Jackson_Reed_2/status/1240402401858859008

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