ST. MARYS — Student athletes at St. Marys Area Middle School are continuing to get stronger and more confident through participating in the Strength and Conditioning Club.

Seth Rhed, SMAMS physical education teacher, said this club, led by educators within the district, was started in 2017 when the new St. Marys Area High School fitness center opened.

“The club gives our middle school students who are interested in the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive training program over an entire school year,” Rhed said.

Some of their training is done at the middle school, and some at the high school fitness center.

“It’s an opportunity to safely and effectively train students and bridge any learning gaps from middle school to high school,” Rhed said.

Ultimately, the club helps to reinforce proper movement patterns, helps with injury prevention for student athletes, and promotes and supports health and wellness. It’s also important for students to develop confidence in strength training, he noted.

The club is especially important for SMAMS students, as it creates a smooth transition for students moving into the high school fitness-based physical education curriculum. Rhed noted it helps “unify” the schools’ training programs.

“This club helps students understand the value in hard work, an understanding that results don’t happen overnight, and they cannot be afraid to fail. That’s how we get better.”