Jordan Henningsen | Contributing Writer

The Buena Vista University (BVU) Athletic Department is constantly training to help advance each team’s respected programs. This fall there are multiple teams working towards their goals through off-season workouts. Basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track are the teams currently in the off-season. Although statistics and overall records measure a team’s success, strength and conditioning is a vital component in preparing the team both physically and mentally for the season. Leading this effort is BVU’s Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Lane Gries.

Coach Gries, who is in his second year with BVU, says that the farther away from season a team is the more he focuses on maximal strength and speed with little focus on sport specific training. As the teams get closer to season, Coach Gries starts to focus more on developing the specific strength and conditioning relevant to the given sport.

“The goal is to continue to get better at the given sport. Complexly, we want to decrease the rate of injury, increase the performance level of athletes and cultivate a culture conducive to hard, disciplined work and a competitive tenacity,” Gries said.

Off-season training is crucial in creating success in any athletics program. Although it helps improve the physical abilities of individuals and teams, the aspect that is often overlooked is the mental training involved during the off-season. Athletes learn to be accountable while training, which can reinforce the discipline and attention to detail required of them while competing at the collegiate level.

Buena Vista Athletics are continuing to improve, and with the help of Coach Gries, growth is inevitable.

“I think the biggest improvement is the culture of work and the general attitude of wanting to train,” said Gries.

The off-season strength and conditioning programs designed by Coach Gries are already seeing positive results with the teams who are currently in season.

“Off-season workouts for most teams are the difference between what they are and what they want to become,” Gries said.

Photo courtesy of Steven Phelps