How area football coaches and players approach the ‘dead period’ | ClarksvilleNow.com – Clarksville Now
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The TSSAA Summer Dead Period went into effect for athletics on June 28 and will run through July 11. During this time, there is to be no coaching, observing, weight training/conditioning, open facilities or practices held on school grounds.
“I think the dead period is really important,” said Clarksville High football coach Isaac Shelby. “Football is a difficult game, and it is just as hard mentally as it is physically. We ask a lot of our kids, but these two weeks are necessary for them to get ready for the season. We do our running tests in June. We tell them they are in great shape, now just try to keep it over the break. We also encourage them to take this time to have fun and do the things they enjoy.”
Making the best of it
As a leader on the team, Northeast quarterback Jaiden Puig is holding his teammates accountable to ensure that the Eagles will not miss a beat once they return from the break.
“It’s a little rough, but I’ve been working three times a day and been going to Train 36ixty to keep my body right,” Puig said. “Me being such a team-first guy it worries me that my teammates won’t be working during this dead period, but I always talk to them and make sure they’re doing something during these two weeks. I don’t really think too much about the dead period, as I know some people will spend time with family and go on vacations to enjoy their summer, but once we’re all back after these two weeks, we are working again.”
West Creek junior Nick Gonzales is working out on his own accord at a local gym to keep in shape.
“Right now I’m really just trying to keep on doing the same things,” Gonzales said. “I don’t want to lose any of the progressions that I’ve made in May and June. I’m getting in a lot of full body work, trying to keep all the gains I’ve made and go into July just as good if not even better.”
Relax and unwind
Northeast football coach Brandon Clark believes being able to hit the reset button is invaluable for all the members of the program.
“I’m probably in the minority, but I think it is a great thing for players and coaches alike,” Clark said. “This ‘grind’ culture that we are in is not always as productive as it is advertised. Kids get burnt out, coaches get burnt out and parents get burnt out. A playoff football season is a marathon and needs to be treated like one in my opinion. Many of our players’ and coachs’ families use these two weeks off for vacation, which I think is very healthy. I want our kids to come back well rested and focused from a good break.”
Northwest football coach Reynaldo Peña views the layoff as a chance to unwind while also continuing to build off a solid foundation.
“The dead period is definitely a gift and a curse,” Peña said. “We obviously want our guys to keep progressing and developing. I have all trust that they will be improving on themselves during this time. The most important part is making sure they enjoy their families and friends as well. They play a huge part in their lives, and I want them to enjoy the time they have with their families.”
Peña is planning on taking full advantage of the dead period and choosing to spend the two weeks alongside his own family and friends.
“I usually go on vacation back to South Carolina for a few days, and then I’m back after the Fourth to continue our march towards a successful season,” Peña said. “My family is so supportive and amazing that the time I have with them is so valuable to me.”