The move back to DVSS not only brought expanded facilities and program repertoire, but a well equipped weight room which is expected to give school athletes an edge.
Hatch says the Titans are one of the few football teams in the province to not lift weights extensively, and the idea to incorporate the weight room as a mandatory obligation for the team is being mulled over. Training over the off-season is crucial for a strong football team, Hatch said.
“I think you have to, if you want to win at the next level it’s mandatory. The other teams are faster and stronger – you can’t just rely on talent,” says Hatch, adding the Titans’ success has been mostly based on raw talent. The organization is feeling an advantage with the new weight room, and also with the fact that Rundle College, a long-time rival in the Big Sky conference, has joined a different division.
“It’s good news, we’ll have to meet them in provincials, but this may lead to more league championships.”
Along with this, the new school is hoped to boost morale among DVSS’s sports teams.
Equipment was recently ordered for the weight room, with it to be fully finished by the end of the month.
“Now it’s there – as long as they commit to using it it’s nothing but an advantage.”
The weight room has been opened for students from 3:30-4:30 Monday to Thursdays since opening at its new location at the beginning of January.
“I’m encouraging them to use it,” says Jeff Messom, basketball and volleyball coach at DVSS, who doesn’t believe he’ll make use of the room mandatory for those programs. “Studies have to take priority, but those kids who take it seriously will have an edge.”
Messom added that strength and size don’t necessarily determine wins on the court, “if you can’t sink the ball, being big won’t help anyway.”
Although not fully equipped, the weight room will be on display at the school’s open house this Friday at 2:00 p.m.