Winter Conditions Didn't Stop These Athletes

The total inches of snow this winter were staggering.

Storms seemed to come one after another, with snow piling up more and more each day. Residents were regularly stuck in their homes surrounded by mounds of the white stuff that wouldn’t stop falling. Grafton had more than 60 inches of snow this year, at times it seemed to be everywhere.

It even snowed on the first day of spring.

Despite the harsh conditions, we all knew that eventually spring would arrive. While we have all been looking forward to the warmer weather and clear roads, some people were preparing for spring throughout the snowy season.

Eric Levitre, a baseball player at Grafton High School, said that the abundance of snow and terrible driving conditions didn't really affect his preparation for the upcoming season.

Eric stated that he wasn't affected all that much because "we go to an indoor place in Shrewsbury, as a team."

Despite the consistent snowfall, Eric said it was no issue getting to the facility for the team’s scheduled "once a week." Eric said that he and his teammates "don't really do too much in the offseason, but we found a new place to go hitting." 

Softball player Emily Felbaum echoed Levitre's sentiments regarding her ability to keep in shape this winter.

"I think we are right on schedule," she said, referring to her team's physical preparation for the upcoming season. She noted she didn't have to alter her workout schedule at all because everything she normally does is available at the indoor facility she attends.

The indoor facility that both student athletes referred to is called J.R. Thomas Crossfit  This gym in Shrewsbury is run by a former professional baseball player and bodybuilder and features full-time coaches and lots of various workout equipment, including batting cages and pitching machines.

Despite the intense weather and harsh driving conditions that everybody in town had to suffer through all winter, these athletes made it a priority to keep in shape.