Marble Falls Forge ’24 draws more than 100

CAPTION: Marble Falls strength and conditioning coordinator Karl “Beef” Bielfeldt is leading Marble Falls Forge ’24. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Marble Falls Independent School District athletic department drew 115 rising ninth-12th graders and about 30 middle schoolers to the first day of summer strength and conditioning June 3.

Known as Forge ’24, coaches were happy with the turnout.

“The excitement for something new,” boys soccer head coach and defensive coordinator Ryan Craven said. “I see what it’s going to be like.”

He credits two reasons for the turnout.

“We did a great job advertising it and putting pressure on the athletes to be here,” he said. “We have 10 or so soccer kids.”

And that says a lot considering after-school workouts for soccer players don’t start until late November. Athletes playing basketball, football, softball and volleyball also were there.

Craven said the department is taking to heart athletic director and football head coach Keri Timmerman’s directive.

“They’re pushing the issue and getting their sports out here as well as the emphasis in the weight room and speed,” he said.

Athletes participated in jumping drills and other drills designed to strengthen their core and make them go faster. Onlookers could hear the relief when coaches allowed them to rest before starting another drill. Once the work on the artificial turf at Mustang Stadium was complete, the athletes headed to the weight room.

“Today is more of a teaching day,” Craven said, adding the athletes will be challenged to move faster on the field as they get familiar with the drills.

After Forge concluded, athletes had 45 minutes to work with individual head coaches on sport-specific training, which is allowed by the University Interscholastic League.

“We’re maximizing all we can in every sport,” Craven said.

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