New weights, racks highlight improvements at Marble Falls ISD weight rooms

CAPTION: The new glute-hamstring developers at Marble Falls High School that will help make the Mustangs and Lady Mustangs stronger and faster. Courtesy photo

The weight rooms at Marble Falls high school and middle school received the second half of what strength-and-conditioning coordinator Richard Scales concluded was needed to ensure athletes in every sport could get stronger and faster.

And, most importantly, limit the chances of injury.

New squat bars and neck trainers went into the small weight room at the high school. The high school also received new weight plates and five glute-hamstring developers. He also bought new dumb bells for the middle school.

“We’re trying to fill in all the gaps for the weights we’re missing,” he said. “The boys started trying things out. We’ll utilize it program to program. The kids love it.”

The squat bars have more emphasis on safety because of the two middle legs in the middle of the main bar that go on the front of the lifter’s shoulders, Scales said.

“It allows the same weight distribution,” he said. “It helps steady it on their back.”

It was especially important to him, he said, to buy the neck developers.

“Strengthen the necks limits concussions,” he said. “We want to strengthen the neck muscles, and that’s good for football, soccer, basketball, all athletes.”

Scales said he evaluated the needs in the weight rooms and created a list two years ago. That list was submitted to the Marble Falls Athletic Booster Club, which contributed more than $30,000 for the order, half of which was paid for during the last academic year.

“There were things that needed to be changed and a lot of needs to be updated,” he said. “I’m always trying to get more stuff. This new equipment is for powerlifting and the weight room. This allows for more specific training of certain muscle groups.”

These improvements don’t happen without the generosity of the Marble Falls Independent School District community, the coordinator said.

“We were only able to to do this and make it happen because of the great contributions from our community,” he said. “I want to thank our community greatly for their involvement, support and donations. Every program will benefit greatly. With great participation and great contributions, it’ll keep getting better.”

The athletic department has launched a new giving initiative called “All For The Mustangs” with the goal of raising $150,000 in the next 25 days.

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CAPTION: The new squat bars at Marble Falls High School. Courtesy photo