From returning high school varsity athletes to middle school students looking to give athletics a try, Killeen ISD strength and conditioning camps are available leading into the new school year.

Students entering seventh through 12th grade are welcome to attend the strength camp at the high school within their attendance zone.

Times, days and specific breakdown of sports and gender vary with the four schools. Details are available on the KISD website in the athletics section.

https://www.killeenisd.org/athletics

Camps are free and require parent permission to participate.

For the coaches operating the camps at Killeen, Ellison, Shoemaker and Harker Heights high schools, the start of strength and conditioning camps continue a welcomed return to normal operations.

A year ago, the camps operated under stringent virus mitigation protocols and the UIL delayed the start of the fall seasons.

This year, students are back to lifting, running, stretching and a variety of technique drills specific to various sports.

“It’s definitely nice to have a normal routine,” said Harker Heights High School Athletics Coordinator Jerry Edwards. “It’s great to be able to see our kids and to have interaction. It definitely makes the job easier.”

Killeen High School strength coach Maurice Lane recalled that the necessary protocols of a year ago added about two hours to the average day.

The two coaches said they were happy with their participation numbers and expected continued growth.

“The ultimate goal is to get bigger, faster and stronger,” Lane said. “We want them to develop familiarization with the lifts.”

After a week or so off following the end of the school year, coaches said it’s time for athletes to get back to regular workouts.

The sessions are voluntary and student participants can take advantage of breakfast and lunch service.

Harker Heights reported 300 student participants a day during the first week of camp.

“Our student athletes are getting better,” said Edwards. “For the older students, this is a time when they can improve. We want to see them continue to put in the work.”

“For the younger ones,” he said, “we’re teaching them what it takes to win in high school.”

Strength and conditioning camps began June 7 and finish near the end of July. Monday, July 5 is a holiday.

The first day of school is August 16.