RUSH SPRINGS, Okla. (KSWO) – The pads are hitting in Rush Springs as kickoff for the Rush Springs Redskins quickly approaches.
They are depressed after a promising season last year was derailed by a series of injuries that sent them slipping to 2-7 this year.
But this season is new and head coach Tim Beard says new techniques are being implemented to maintain the team’s looseness.
“We started doing a lot more range of motion exercises in the weight room,” Beard explained. “Not that we were moving away from our core strength exercises or anything like that, but we really made a big effort to improve these kids’ hips and their movements.”
The added flexibility makes the team a fast, hard-hitting machine.
The players recognize this optimistic tone and are excited about the first week.
“The intensity is much better this year than the last three years I’ve been a part of,” said senior wide receiver and strong safety Chris Crow. “Everyone wants to get 10 and 0.”
The most important thing is that the Redskins function as a unit.
Each man knows his task and carries it out with precision.
Many of the older players on the team have been challenged by Coach Beard to step up their game this season, and so far they have delivered.
“This team has really surprised me this year in the summer and in our summer workouts,” said senior running back and outside linebacker Slade Spear. “They’re really determined to do better this year. We’ve got a lot of juniors that have really stepped up and made big steps. We’ve got a lot of kids that are stepping up this year.”
Rush Springs has its sights set on Week 1 on September 6 against Cordell.
Coach Beard says he tells his players to put the ghosts of the past behind them and keep a clear head and focus on their next game, no matter what week it is.
“Our attitude hasn’t changed,” Beard added. “It’s just the work that these kids, like I said, from top to bottom, have really put in. That’s going to make the difference.”
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