Dozens of PCHS Mustangs have completed their off-season workouts and the coaches expect more to follow.
The weight room has been open all summer, three-and-a-half-hours every day, for two sessions.
“We’ve had twenty plus kids in the morning many times, and I think that tells a huge story of their commitment,” coach Mike Brooks said.
Brooks is the head football coach. However, he gears the exercises to all athletes.
“An agile and strong athlete is the same for any sport. They must develop individual sport skills beyond that,” he said. “I’m anticipating close to 30 football players completing their goal of 24 workouts.”
The Pershing County High School football team is looking to go back to the state title game for a second year in a row.
The soccer and volleyball players, coached by Monica Halverson and Kelly Brooks are also working and completing the program.
“The workouts vary but typically involve a main lift (squat, front squat, clean), a power exercise, core work and exercises to help build muscle mass. They also include running and agility three days a week,” Brooks said. “They aren’t easy, but they aren’t extremely demanding either.”
“I’m not sure how we stand out compared to other programs, but we have a high participation compared to some years past. It’s been good the past couple of years, but some summers we were lucky to get seven or eight kids. I know, for us, the female participation has gotten a lot better.”
He credits much, but not all, of the participation to the new sports equipment.
“The new equipment has been phenomenal. It has increased flow and efficiency and allowed people not to have to wait for exercises. It did attract some kids at first, but the excitement wears off once the work starts,” said Brooks.
Instead, the athletes motivate themselves and each other with some stepping up to help the younger set.
Many schools offer off-season workouts. Participation fluctuates from year to year.
This summer, the Mustangs showed up and put in the work. Soon, they will put it to use on the soccer and football fields and the volleyball court.
The Pershing County High School volleyball team played in the 2023 state tournament in Las Vegas.
Tentative sports schedules are out
Schedules are all subject to change without notice. Watch for updates from the school if game dates and times change.
The girls soccer season starts with a string of away games.
On Aug. 19, the Mustangs travel to Yerington, followed by matches with Lowry (Aug. 21), Churchill County (Fallon, Aug. 23) and Quincy, Calif. (Aug. 24).
Pershing County’s first home game is on Aug. 27 against Dayton.
They close out the month at home against Spring Creek (Aug. 30) and Elko (Aug. 31).
The Mustang football team scrimmages in Battle Mountain on Aug. 10.
The first game of the year is at home against Wooster on Aug. 16. The other two August games are in Portola, Calif. (Aug. 23) and at home against North Tahoe (Aug. 30).
Last year, the Mustangs went 0-3 in their first three games before launching a nine-game winning streak that included a 34-7 win against rival school Battle Mountain.
The Mustangs ended the year as league champions and State runners-up. A high point was competing at Allegiant Stadium, where Lake Mead Christian Academy won the title.
The volleyball team also has a busy August. First, they’ll scrimmage against Lassen on the road on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Next, they’ll compete in the Yerington (Aug. 16-17) and Battle Mountain (Aug. 23-24) tournaments.
Finally, they’re back on the road against Silver Stage (Aug. 28) and Oasis Academy (Aug. 30).
Last year, the girls played in the State competition at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas.
They hope to wrest the title from North Tahoe this year.