Sports
Sea Hawks' Spiwak Prepares For More Double Duty
Redondo Union running back/linebacker, an all-league selection on defense a year ago, wants to better absorb and dish out the punishment this season.
Ryan Spiwak had a successful sophomore season for Redondo Union High, playing on both sides of the football and earning All-Bay League honors as a linebacker.
But this summer, the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is working hard to put on more weight to better handle the pounding he absorbs as a running back and to add a little something extra to the hits he dishes out from his linebacker spot.
"Last year, I could tell toward the end that I needed to come back in better shape, because carrying the ball and taking all those hits started to take its toll on my body," Spiwak said. "Our team is really focused and we're very committed to our lifting program and it's been tough conditioning-wise so far.
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''I'm really working on my stamina and building endurance, as well as putting on some weight so I can hold up better during the season.''
Spiwak, a two-year starter on the varsity, believes the linebacker corps will be the strength of the Sea Hawks' defense in the upcoming season.
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He will be joined a returning starter in senior L.J. Ben-Amor, as well as juniors Zack Zent, Tony Smith and Brandon Kim.
"Our defensive line and secondary have some new people, but at linebacker we're really familiar playing with each other,'' Kim said. ''Ryan and I have played since fifth grade together.''
During the summer, the Sea Hawks have been participating in 7 on 7 scrimmages against area schools – on Thursday they squared off against a pair of reigning CIF champions in Mira Costa (Western Division) and Gardena Serra (Northwest) along with Torrance.
"With the talent we see, there are so many teams with great players, it makes it clear to us that we can't be relaxed -- we need to work extremely hard so that we're ready when the pads come on," Spiwak said.
The Sea Hawks have suffered some blows this summer to the offense. Quarterback Nick Pope is ailing from a knee injury and it is unknown when he will be ready to see action. In addition, the Sea Hawks' top receiving threat, Brandon Boyd, suffered a knee injury and could undergo surgery to repair a damaged ligament.
"I think both guys will be back by Bay League,'' Spiwak said. ''We'll see. We have confidence in everyone who is stepping in for those guys. Drew Wright at quarterback is someone we trust," Spiwak said.
