In the spring of 2013, Head Football Coach Beau LaBore set out to transform the weight room.  With the help of lead strength and condition coach Mike Weiss, a three-phase plan was established.

The first phase, delivered in May 2013, included five multipurpose racks, dozens of medicine balls, strength bands, plyo jump sets, weighted accessories, and much more.  This phase was paid for with Stillwater Area High School donations, several high school athletic teams, and Pony Power and Performance (PPP).  The cost was $43,610.

Midway through the summer, the Ponies Touchdown Club (PTC) ordered phase two.  This included five more multipurpose racks, 15 swivel bars, badly needed bumper plates for 15 stations, and five power clean platforms.  This phase costs $49,500.

Over the winter the PTC, with some assistance from the Activities Office, ordered an amended version of phase three.  This allowed us to replace dated and in some cases mismatched dumbbells, dumbbell racks, all of our weights, and 10 multipurpose bars.  The original cost was $22,918.  However, after letting go of a few items, the purchase was $15,673.

Not only did most of the resources change in our space, but physical changes took place in the space as well.  Performed by our building and grounds staff and custodians, the room was painted, both doors were replaced, and some basic maintenance was completed.

On behalf of the PTC, which contributed well over half of the almost $109,000, and all those who contributed or donated generously, we can say mission accomplished!  This drastic improvement to our weight room gives our students, athletes, and teams a significant opportunity to get bigger, stronger, faster, and seek a healthy lifestyle.

Our next task will be to bring together our stakeholders to customize the look of the weight room.  This will include achievement boards and posters.  We hope to see this change before PPP 2014!

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