For many Carlsbad students, each school year begins in anticipation of football season. With such a prominent sport representing the school, a big part of the football fun is winning. From Julian Sayin to Brandon Chillar, the well known program does this pretty well, launching football careers for multiple players each year.
This spring season is all about distance running, weight lifting and conditioning, as staying in peak shape drives performance on the field. Getting physically prepared for the upcoming seasons also involves field work and private training, both physically and mentally straining exercises.
“I think it’s sort of mentally sharpening too,” senior Cache Burkholder said. “Everyone’s going to be disciplined because when you’re conditioning, you’re going through a bunch of rules.”
Though seniors like Cache may be leaving the Carlsbad team for now, their legacy continues in the following years, maintaining a spirit of competition as the juniors take their place. These incoming seniors are currently training with coaches like Justin Heieck, who is currently working toward the spring game on May 29. Though this is a non-padded game, it remains an integral part of their pre-season preparation.
“It’s something where they’re working year-round to make themselves better and get ready for when we start working with them officially as a team,” Heieck said.
Despite all the practice on the Carlsbad field, outside work with position coaches proves just as important. Quarterbacks and running backs get early practice with their endurance and force, building speed and coordination through gym workouts and an active lifestyle. Taking on this training job proves difficult at times, though. Juggling various responsibilities, the players continue to prioritize their schooling and plans for a future in football.
“Got some tough schedules, but it’s going to be all right,” Burkholder said. “You know, they’re going to be jacked when they play LCC and they’re going to be in good condition when we beat Poway.”
From the outside Carlsbad bleachers, touchdowns and passes become a seamless dance bringing cheers and smiles. Until then though, players continue fighting for balance between the demands of schoolwork and practices, looking to the student body, coaches, and each other for support in their sports endeavors.
“I hope they go 10-0, win open for me, and… I hope some of the boys go to play college,” Burkholder said. “Yeah, just high expectations and hopefully they meet the standard.”
