During the winter break, the Titan weight room was shut down for remodeling. Most of the equipment was replaced, with the majority of the new items being brand new and customized with things like the Gibson Southern logo and the classic colors of maroon and gold. The new equipment takes up less space with multiple machines combined into one. This allowed enough space to add two more lifting racks to the weight room and alleviated some overcrowding.
“Sometimes there would be more than five people on a platform,” sophomore Jaxon Kiefer said.
Along with these platforms being added, the school added a Vertamax machine, which helps increase an individual’s vertical leap. There are plans to add even more equipment in the future.
“I’m told we will get technology to measure bar speed, measure max velocity jumps and time sprints,” physical education teacher Luke Simmons said.
To maximize the benefit of the new and state-of-the-art equipment, there will be a change to how students can access the weight room during the school day.
“I hope to be able to get athletes at Gibson Southern basic strength and speed workouts done during the school day next year,” Simmons said.
This will not only allow athletes and students to become stronger and quicker, but will also give them more free time after school due to the fact that they completed their lifts during the day. Simons will also provide the safety and instructions students need to maximize their workouts.
“One reason for the updated weight room was student safety,” athletic director Nick Hart said. “Our previous equipment was really getting old and starting to wear out.”
Over the past few years, multiple 45-pound plates broke due to standard wear and tear from lifters. Those who were lifting heavier amounts did not have all of the weight they needed and had to wait for additional plates to become free.
The student body helps take care of the weight room, keeping it nice and minimizing damage to the equipment. Simmons will also keep an eye on the facilities, making sure everyone respects what the corporation has gifted them.
“We are going to work hard to keep it that way so kids will want to use it for years to come,” Simmons said.
Simmons has already incorporated some new rules to help maintain the weight room. Some of the new rules are that the J-hooks should be set at 15 on the racks and that safety spotting arms should be at one after lifters are finished. There is also a strict enforcement of one rule that has been in place for years.
“Students must have a coach or teacher present with them in the weight room,” Hart said.
This is directed toward those who intend not to take a class during the day and will be lifting after school.
