Iola High School strength and conditioning coach Beau Foster led his first workouts of the summer offseason Monday.
Foster is new to Iola, but not to strengthening young bodies. Monday’s focus was on explosive muscle groups.
Foster guided dozens of IHS male and female athletes through various exercises in hopes the time they put in the weightroom will translate to victories during the upcoming sports seasons.
“It went great. We had good numbers and hopefully we can continue that,” Foster said. “It’s all about form right now. We just need good technique so we can build that foundation and in the future work on strength a little bit more.”
Foster, who spent last year coaching at Fort Hays State University, does not enter the summer conditioning season with an entirely blank slate.
With a strong background in powerlifting, many athletes are picking up where they left off last season.
Junior Ramon Ballin said the summer program could be a pivotal point in his athletic career with hopes of breaking through to the state wrestling tournament in March of 2026.
“It’s more interesting than what we’re used to, but I’m open to learning,” Ballin said of the workout. “I see the benefit in this. As long as we put the effort in, I see a lot of great things.”
Alston “Ollie” Nelson said he felt encouraged by the turnout. Hip-hop music pulsated through speakers as participants moved from station to station focusing on doing the exercises right and not simply clearing the bar with an attention-grabbing amount of weight.
“I’m excited for the new, more explosive lifting we’re going to be doing. It’s more practical,” Nelson said.
Although eager to see short-term gains this fall, Foster said he has grander goals than improving how an athlete gets off the line or challenges a shot at the next. He wants to build better athletes overall. Explosiveness is just an aspect of what he sees in the ideal Iola athlete.
“Whatever sport they do, explosiveness translates to that,” Foster said. “I don’t just want to see athletes get stronger. I want to see them get faster, jump higher. I want to see growth in all of those areas. I’m excited about it. Iola already has a good powerlifting program and the kids are excited and already buying into the program.”
Offseason strength and conditioning workouts run in two sessions from 6 to 7:20 a.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
