Getting better in time

Drew Kjono, the English teacher of two years at Grygla School, has started to make a change in the Charger athletics program. Recently Kjono has become more involved with the weight room program and is working to get as many kids involved as he can. He has been working on the program since last year trying to find something to help them improve.

On average there are around 10-12 kids attending the weight room every morning and 2-4 in the afternoons. The weight room is open to mostly the community during the afternoon but kids are also welcome, if supervised by a staff member. Most of the kids going are athletes in the Charger programs but anyone is welcome who is willing to try.

There are two organized programs to choose from in the weight room. Although you don’t have to follow a program it is widely recommended. The program Kjono runs was given to him by Coach Mumm from Thief River Falls, who has been using this program for many years now. It features an all-around workout for your legs, arms, and core. “I think them doing this program shows dedication” quotes Kjono in an interview Wednesday afternoon. 

Often in the past kids would go in the weight room and just sit around and not get much done but with a program to follow they are seeing much better results. A routine is much easier to work with and keeps kids on task and organized the whole time they’re in there. It’s not just Grygla using this program either. Coach Grandstrand has also enforced the program in Goodridge. Both schools already claim to have seen results from this program. 

The newest equipment in the weight room includes a squat machine purchased a few years ago. Although they aren’t looking into getting any new big machines they are looking to purchase some new medicine balls. Even if they don’t have any problems they are always accepting donations to buy new equipment.

Along with future goals for new equipment he also has goals for the kids attending. Although the turnout of kids is significantly better now than it was a few months ago he’s looking to get more kids young and old in the weight room. “I just want to get more kids involved.” This program is not only for the morning either! The track team will also be using the program every day during practice.

Lucian Tinnes, one of the many kids using the new program for the weight room can also support it. “I enjoy it very much, I feel as if it is easier to work out when you have guidelines instead of trying to do it on your own.” With the organization that comes with it Tinnes also says he can see and feel the results. The program should be a great benefit to future athletes and anyone just willing to get in shape!