The Newport Plain Talk

COSBY-They're known as 'Dead Periods.' The Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) requires, during certain times of the year, that high school athletes, coaches and school facilities be separated, meaning no contact, no practice, no workouts. It doesn't mean that high school athletes have to be totally idle, though.

In current times, high school sports have become a year-round endeavor. Athletes, now, focus on one particular sport, and dedicate themselves to that sport year round. Take football for instance. The season may run from August to November, but once the playoffs have been completed and the championship games have been played, athletes continue to work. There are spring drills, summer drills, daily work in the weight room, and, before you know it, a new season begins.

As a result, the TSSAA has stepped in establishing 'Dead Periods,' to give athletes and coaches a break from the grind. It makes sense. But, to a dedicated athlete, it will not stop him/her from continuing their workouts. And that's where fitness gurus like Dan Schreder of Smoky Mountain Endeavors in Cosby steps in.

"As a career Navy SEAL and former multi-varsity sport athlete myself, I feel that I can offer young athletes something unique and different, and ultimately a sports performance enhancement," explained Schreder. "We had 20 athletes (from both Cosby and Cocke County High Schools) attend our sessions throughout various periods during the two weeks (the 'Dead Period'). Not many athletes or parents know about my services since I am relatively new to the area, so I am really pleased with the turnout. I do want to make it clear that I feel my purpose in the end is to augment and assist school based athletic programs, not undermine coaching staffs, existing school-based athletic improvement programs, or other."

Coaches know very well the importance of off-season conditioning, and many of our local coaches in Cocke County like what Schreder has to offer.

"My background has taught me to be total body fit, period," said Schreder. "Young male and female athletes conditioned with upper body strength, lower body power, stamina, foot speed and agility, coupled with a conditioned middle body core section, and improved cardiovascular capabilities will simply win the day when it comes to head to head competition against lesser conditioned athletes."

And with vast improvements in conditioning techniques over the past ten years, much has changed.

"It does take hard work and dedication, there is still no substitute for that," said Schreder. "I am nearly 40 years old now, but I know if I could magically arrange for a competition between my current self and my young self as an athlete at 17, today's me would kick the heck out of the young me!"

After being invited to work with the Cosby High School football squad in spring drills, just two weeks prior to the 'Dead Period,' Schreder immediately turned his attention to programs he developed specifically for the 'Dead Period.'

"Our dead period program was made up of several two-day camps," explained Schreder. "Each day the athletes were here for four hours. The first hour to hour and a half was comprised of some sort of strength, cardio, and core training. My routines and involvement in the workouts were new to the athletes but I think they really enjoyed the tough workouts. We would then spend nearly two hours with dialog and discussion regarding topics such as leadership, sports nutrition and hydration, teamwork concepts, winning attitudes, goal and objective setting, and more. This is the ultra unique thing I have incorporated into my programs."

To Schreder, the athlete needs much more than just being fit.

"I take the time to mentor these kids and discuss real topics that matter in sports and life," explains Schreder. "This is also why I keep my numbers low and manageable. To have a real discussion, everyone needs to be heard. I have the young athletes contribute to the conversation by having them state their opinions and thoughts on the matter up for discussion. Any more than 10 to 12 athletes in a particular setting, a coach, trainer, or instructor has a tough time keeping up with the individual needs of the participants. Not only in classroom type discussions, but also in athletic training, low numbers mean extra attention. I can remember taking my son to a football camp one year in Virginia where there were so many kids that he barely got more than one repetition per drill, and to top it off, the coaches and organizers really didn't care! I was so disappointed, I vowed never to have a training area packed full of athletes just for the sake of numbers and profits if I ever held a sports camp! Kids at these ages, maturing adults really, need attention. They need to be heard, they need to be mentored in a friendly open setting, and they need to be positively influenced by strong, positive adults. I believe that is what I do here."

With that said, the daily camps designed by Schreder continue.

"We would end the four-hour day with another workout," said Schreder. "In addition to using normal gym-like equipment, I really try hard to incorporate Mother Nature into our workout. The hills on our property here in Cosby are great for conditioning. They will punish you in no time flat that's for sure! We utilize our several miles of hiking trails and our challenging obstacle course to provide workouts that no gym or workout facility can provide."

After talking with several young athletes who participated in Schreder's camps the last two weeks, it became obvious to me that each and every one of them loved it.

"The participants loved the experience of being predominately outdoors and were super impressed at the level of the workouts too," said Schreder. "I really look forward to the opportunity of working with the finest athletes of all of Cocke County. Just being here a short time I realize our area athletes have great potential to do good things. Some need to increase their self-confidence to bring out their best. Others need guidance, direction, and discipline in order to fulfill their dreams. Others simply need to be better sports and fitness educated so they can begin to see the very potential that exists inside them. These needs are not unique to athletes in our county, these exist everywhere."

Although football was the focus of this article, Schreder's focus is not just football. Schreder works with athletes from all sports, both male and female. And, if you've finished with your sports career, and are looking to just stay in shape, Schreder can help you there as well.

If you would like more information on what Dan Schreder does, you can visit his web site at www.smokymountainendeavors.com.

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