Logan Lober is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Casteel High School for AZPreps365.com.

Good nutrition is essential to put in a strong effort on the football field.

That’s why head coach Bobby Newcombe and Casteel’s strength program put a firm emphasis on setting up diet plans that cater to each individual in the football program.

“Our student-athletes have homework assignments on it regularly,” Newcombe said. “It’s a big, big deal for us in terms of recovery, in terms of preparation and in terms of development. And we need it because we’re a development program. We’ve got to get guys built up.”

Casteel’s strength program makes sure each position group eats well, especially the offensive linemen who, according to their teammates, have some of the craziest diets on the team.

“Dude, I freaking love those guys,” tight end Merrik Kubacki said. “If you say you’re kind of full, my amazing linemen will definitely have some of that.”

Fellow offensive lineman Aiden Tabish agreed and highlighted tackle Camden Jury, who is listed at 6 feet 7 inches and 315 pounds, and 6-foot 280-pound center Jackson Peterson as having some hefty meals as well.

“Those are the big guys, Camden and JP … they’re some hungry guys, we’ll say that,” Tabish said.

The players know the importance of each food group and how it affects their performance during the game, as well as the recovery process following a hard-fought game.

“Making sure you’re eating a lot of calcium because you’re taking all those hits and just making sure you’re loading up on protein, carbs all that stuff,” Tabish said. “And making sure that you’re not dropping weight because obviously, it’s a pretty demanding sport.”

“I like loading up on carbs,” Kubacki added. “We’re burning so many calories in games and we’re burning so many calories in practice, and I’m trying to sustain a susceptible weight right now.”

The players follow a meal plan throughout the year that gets graded to assure the coaches that they’re invested in what they’re putting into their bodies.

“We have a grocery list that they have to talk to their parents about, so we go over that every year, multiple times a year,” Newcombe said. “We weigh them in constantly. Once a week or a couple of times a week, so they know where they’re at.”

Having a good pregame meal is essential for the Colts to execute on the field.

Whether it’s chicken and rice, a common meal amongst the team, or a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Newcombe wants to guarantee his players are getting the right amount of fuel before the game.

“It’s critical for me to make sure that our players have the right food inside of them before they get to a game. I even plan how many hours before the game they get to eat,” Newcombe said. “I want them having something in their body and I want certain things after the game as well.”

Newcombe does anything he can to help make sure his athletes are sticking to their diet.

“I bought a bunch of microwaves to make sure we have them so they can warm up their own meals,” Newcombe said. “I want them bringing their own meals to school, not just buying stuff at the concessions. … They have their meal set up every single day.”