After winning the Eastern Maine Class B title last winter, the Presque Isle varsity hockey team is vying for another winning season this year and team members were willing to put in the extra work it takes to get there.
This summer, the team participated in a County Physical Therapy “Hockey BOOT CAMP” exercise program. These exercises challenged their strength, endurance, coordination and balance, all of which are essential on the ice.
If that were not enough, some members of the team asked for more and CPT delivered by offering a 12-week hockey training program this fall. The participants worked out three days a week at 6 a.m. each day, and then attended their classes at PIHS.
This program was even more hockey-focused and challenged the team in ways they never thought were possible. One challenge was pushing a car half the length of the CPT parking lot on North Street. Another test of ability was pulling a half-ton pickup with the other team members riding in the back.
“I was inspired by the group who came,” said Adam Simoes, a CPT therapist who ran the program. “They were committed to the program and committed to the season. The upperclassmen were focused on one thing, being better than any team in the league, while some of the underclassmen were here to work to make the team.
“I ran into one of the underclassmen the other night at The Forum and he was grinning ear to ear and eager to let me know he had made the team. I was so proud of him for he was one of those guys who put in that little extra effort in and it paid off.”
Simoes went on to say, “with the winning season behind them comes an expectation for this year. They have a Goliath challenge in front of them, but with their extra work this preseason I think that giant will seem smaller.”
If your team or industry is interested in a “CPT Boot Camp” program contact Adam Simoes, OTR/L or Andy Helstrom, Head Athletic Trainer at CPT, 769-2160. Current CPT 12-week programs include Fit For Christ Men’s Group Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. and a Fit for Christ Women’s Edition every Friday at 6 a.m.
The next 12-week program is due to start Jan. 4, 2010, so get ready to start that New Year’s resolution at CPT.
Contributed photo
MITCHELL DAVIS, a senior member of the Presque Isle Wildcats’ hockey team, pulls his pickup truck across a parking lot, with teammates riding in the back, during a strength challenge held as part of the “Hockey Boot Camp” by County Physical Therapy.
