Clarkstown North Summer Training Program Keeps Young Athletes in Shape

Summertime usually means days filled with fun and relaxation for most teens. But for many student athletes in Clarkstown, it's also time to work on agility, flexibility and strength to get ready for the next season.

This summer, Clarkstown North High School in New City has been the place to learn about fitness.

Heading the summer training program at North is Robyn Siedel.  She is Clarkstown North's athletic trainer and has been working in the field and district for the past three years.  Under her guidance, the young athletes learn and improve a lot.

 "The first day, they run the perimeter," said Siedel, "It's one mile and it takes them forever the first day.  Then they cut it down to a seven- or eight-minute mile." 

Siedel notices the improvement each week from the kids who participate regularly, as they run timed miles once a week.

Though in years past, as many as 40 kids have participated, this year it is down to around 25.  This has actually been good for the participants, who got a lot more one-on-one time this year.

"There are a lot of kids at different levels this summer, so I focused a lot more on moving at your own pace," said Siedel.  "That way it doesn't hold anyone back." 

The program accepts interested individuals who are going into 7^th to 12^th grades.  Though they advertise for it in the school newsletter, most of the participants hear about it through word of mouth. 

"One week, one kid shows up," said Siedel, "and then, next time, they bring two friends."

The summer session lasts for six weeks at five days a week, with morning and afternoon trainin classes.  This year, the weight room at Clarkstown North is getting redone, so some of these sessions have been held at sister-school Clarkstown South in West Nyack, as well as at some other locations when certain facilities are needed.

The training regimen encompasses the full spectrum of activities, such as plyometrics, flexibility, agility, and endurance training, weight training, swimming, and some sports.  Each session is different, as Siedel takes the time to make sure that each participant is having their needs and interests met.  She accomplishes this by having every kid fill out a goal sheet.  This, along with constant feedback from the participants, allows her to understand what they want to accomplish and then utilize every facility available to make this happen.

This program helps the kids get in shape, opens their eyes to new and proper ways of exercising, and all the while lets them have fun while doing it. 

Emilia Naranjo will be a sophomore at Clarkstown North this year and is enjoying her first year in the strength training program.  "It's good," said Naranjo. "In the beginning, it was hard but then it got better." 

Her favorite activity is running the mile at the beginning of each session, which she has noticed a significant improvement on. 

Kaitlyn McGrade is another student participating from Clarkstown North.  She is going into her sophomore year as well.  A member of the junior varsity field hockey team, this is her second year participating in the strength training program.  She has found it useful for her sport and conditioning in general.

 "Its been helpful," said McGrade. "I run a lot faster than I used to.  The mile at the beginning has helped me, though it's not the most fun."

For the athletes, this off-season training not only helps them to improve, but it also prevents injury by preparing them properly for the season to start.  This is a huge benefit to them and their coaches, as it helps them get a real jump on the season by being able to focus on improving their skills, not just getting in shape.