MISHAWAKA, Ind. (WNDU) – School is back in session and that also means the return of our One School at a Time stories with Martin’s Super Markets. Each month during the school year, Martin’s will make a $1,000 donation to a local school.
The money gives the programs a little boost – just like what happens in the weight room at Marian High School.
The athletes at Marian work hard for their sport. Soccer player Daisy Moody is back after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in April last year.
“(It was) very tough, but with the help of Coach (Herzog) I was able to recover very quickly,” Moody said.
“Athletes want things to happen quickly, but we coaches know it takes a long time,” says Brian Herzog, Marian teacher and conditioning coach.
Herzog focuses on the so-called Olympic movements.
“I always want to prepare my students for the next level,” Herzog said. “If that’s their goal, they need to know these movements.”
When he started three years ago, the weight room was full of outdated, rusty equipment.
“When we came in as freshmen, the weight room was probably the worst you could imagine,” said veteran football player Braxton Brooks.
“The old pole was very rusty. Bad. Just terrible,” explained football player Joe Boones. “The new pole has more grip, I would say.”
Slowly but surely, Herzog is replacing the old equipment. The Martin grant will help with that.
“Just to replace old stuff. Equipment that gives us a better way to do Olympic movements. The way the barbell should rotate, the way it should function,” Herzog said.
“To get to the next level, it’s important to build strength, speed, agility – whatever you can. Build your endurance,” says veteran soccer player Jojo Murphy.
And these kids say: it works.
“I’ve noticed a big difference in the volleyball program compared to previous years. I think everyone in the program has gotten a lot stronger,” said veteran volleyball player Katie Milligan.
Stronger and smarter in terms of their physical health.
For the remainder of the school year, Martin’s Super Markets will select one local school to receive a $1,000 One School at a Time grant. To nominate your school, click here.
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