Cold air hung over the fields and hallways as athletes pushed through winter conditioning week, their breath visible as they sprinted, lifted, and powered through drills. Coaches timed laps, corrected form, and shouted encouragement while students fought the chill with grit and determination. Despite the chilly temperatures, the energy around Paint Branch athletics was unmistakably high.
Winter conditioning week is a school-wide training period designed to prepare athletes for the upcoming winter sports season. During this week, students from sports including basketball, wrestling, track, and cheer came together to build endurance, strength, and discipline. The program helps athletes shake off the off-season rust and gives teams an early start so they’re ready to compete when official practices begin.
Students across winter sports said winter conditioning challenged them, but set the tone for the season. Senior basketball player Alim Sise said his main goal is for the team to reach the state championship. “The best part of playing is the joy in it being with your friends and seeing the ball go through the net,” he said, before adding that he is especially looking forward to the upcoming matchups against Blake and Northwest.
Wrestler Marshall Stockey is a junior who hopes to finish the season undefeated. He said he values the strong atmosphere around the team. “Every day you come in, you feel the sportsmanship and the energy from your teammates,” he said.
Senior track athlete Euphemia Lamptey aims to break a school record this year and bring home medals during the indoor season. She said she enjoys competing at high-stakes meets such as regionals and counties and is particularly excited to race against Springbrook, where several of her friends compete.
Coaches said winter conditioning week plays a crucial role in preparing athletes for competition. Winter Track Head Coach Funmi Daramola explained that the week is designed to reset athletes’ fundamentals and build the foundation they’ll need once the season begins. “We focus on mechanics and the basics so we don’t have to go back later,” she said. “This week is about building power and strength, getting the body ready before we put it to the test.” She added that one of the biggest challenges athletes face is motivation. “You can tell who’s ready and focused for the season and who’s just there to hang out,” she said.
Varsity boys’ basketball Coach Brandon Miles emphasized readiness as well. “Winter conditioning prepares the boys for anything during the season,” he said, noting that endurance and mental toughness are key focuses. He added that many athletes struggle because they “didn’t lock in during the offseason,” making the first week especially demanding.
According to the PB Athletic Director, Ms. Dessalyn Dillard, preparing for a new season is a major behind-the-scenes operation. “I process registrations, set up the season calendar, collect schedules, and organize all the practices and contests,” she explained. Coach D also coordinates transportation, orders and stores equipment, and makes sure each game has the proper staff. All of this is communicated weekly with coaches from every sport. Despite the workload, Coach D says the winter season always brings excitement. “It feels like a fresh start. New students come out to try out, and there’s new energy,” she shared. “It’s fun to see the plan come together and to watch athletes finally get their moment, whether it’s on the court, in the pool, or on the track.”
With winter sports gearing up and official practices beginning, athletes are taking the lessons from conditioning into the next phase of the season. The week served as a foundation, preparing teams physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. As competitions approach, the hard work from winter conditioning week is set to pay off.