As autumn is in full swing, colors are changing, temperatures are cooling, and leaves are falling. It not only becomes crunch time for the leaves on the ground, but also the winter sport athletes preparing for their season right around the corner.

Almost every winter sport team at PLHS has been initiating team workouts to get the students who weren’t involved in a fall sport back into the swing of the season. 

For the girls wrestling team, they jump into the deep end trying to start where they left off with their impressive season last year. 

“We start with four days a week for an hour after school but as we get closer [to the season] we do five days a week and usually at least an hour, if not more,” Senior wrestler Kirsten Clark said. 

Not only have the girls been getting after it, but other teams such as boys basketball have been working in the offseason as well.

“Our team has been lifting lots of weights, and I usually go to the Landing to get extra shots up as well,” Senior guard Tyler McDade said. “We also have skills two times a week.”

Although the athletes are usually eager to get back to their sport, conditioning isn’t all fun and games.

“The worst part about preseason is trying to get back into shape after having been off and getting used to the schedule again,” Clark said. “Preparing now definitely helps in season because we build our stamina so we don’t get as burnt out.” 

Despite the extreme physical challenges, the athletes can find comfort in doing it together, as a team. 

“The best part is getting back together with all my teammates and helping each other improve,” McDade said.