The Serra Athletics Department firmly believes that achieving peak sports performance isn't just about natural talent or skills honed during the season. Ultimate performance hinges significantly on the foundation laid through year-round strength and conditioning programs, according to Serra's Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Viñal '10.
"Year-round strength and conditioning programs are critical to the success of student athletes and provide the framework for building physical resilience and enhancing performance," Viñal said. "Strength gain, speed increase and muscle development doesn't occur in season," he added.
Built into Serra athletics is a focus on students' learning how to work out appropriately. Serra strength and conditioning coaches work with each sports team to teach them how to use the equipment properly, using proper techniques.
"It is important to teach our athletes how to develop as a whole and train their whole body. We are huge on Olympic lifting and the explosive aspects of lifting; we use a lot of bands, dumbbells and ropes to isolate certain muscles" Viñal said.
In recent years, Serra has gravitated toward year-round strength and conditioning efforts for varsity teams. Priority goes to which team is in season. A typical two-hour team workout includes a team being split in two, one half in the weight room and the other half on the track. Inside the weight room, the team begins circuit training together.
Student-athletes are also taught about hydration and the effects of not being properly hydrated, which could lead to cramps on the field and heat stroke.
"It is important for our athletes to know how to prepare for games in other climates such as the dry heat in the East Bay when we play teams out there. It is very different from the climate in San Mateo with the cool wind blowing through," he said.
Viñal said that prioritizing these programs allows Serra student-athletes to elevate their current performance levels and also lay the groundwork for sustained success in their athletic careers.
