Lake Highlands High School was on a bye week this week so they didn’t have to prepare for a game on Friday. Head Coach Scott Smith said this is an important time in the semester for the student-athletes to have a break.
“This is the fourth week of the six weeks,” Smith said. “That’s one of the things we like about playing in zero week. Everything has kind of come at these kids real fast for the first couple of weeks and some of them can get a little overwhelmed. But this week gives them a chance to step back, take a breath and really concentrate solely on their classwork.”
The coaching staff still watched film from their last game and is now preparing for its first District 9-5A game against Samuel High School next Thursday at Forester Field at 7 p.m.. They still ran regular practices, though not as physically grueling and they still have the same goals.
“Focusing on what we do,” Smith said. “We found things that we do well in the first few games. So we want to really focus on how to do what we do well. But more important than anything, we have to make sure our kids grades are up and that they are studying. Just like any school in the state we will have some kids who are struggling. But we want to make sure we do everything possible to help them out.”
The Wildcats hold a study hall in the locker room for all players from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. every Wednesday. Smith said the team has gotten tremendous response from the players and teachers since integrating the study session.
“No iPods, no music, no goofing around,” Smith said. “Just everybody with their books out, studying and keeping focused on being the best student-athletes they can be.”
