Braden River builds foundation for future

BRADEN RIVER — This fall, more than 600 students will step onto the Braden River High School campus for the first time.

From the moment they walk through the door, these freshmen will become a part of the Pirate family. But with this newfound sense of pride and belonging also comes a plethora of challenges, particularly when it comes to athletics.

This month, the Braden River High coaching staff hopes to alleviate some of those concerns by hosting the school’s first Freshman Athletic Foundations Camp. The camp, which kicked off July 6, will be held for girls from 6-8 p.m., every Monday and Wednesday through July 29 and for boys from 6-8 p.m., every Tuesday and Thursday through July 30.

Registration for the Freshmen Athletic Foundations Camp, open to all incoming freshman and not just athletes, is $100. Late applicants are welcome.

“The objective is for the freshman kids to be able to feel connected to the school before they start,” said football coach Ed Volz, who organized the camp. “We’re using athletics as a vehicle to help create a sense of community for incoming ninth-grade students.”

The eight-session camp is designed to give incoming freshman an opportunity to further develop their athletic skills while also allowing them the opportunity to meet with coaches from the school’s different athletic programs.

During each session, participants will engage in physical activities such as light weight training and agility circuits while focusing on running mechanics, including how to maximize speed and agility, proper stretching techniques and overall wellness.

In addition, coaches will present students with information pertinent to becoming a well-rounded student-athlete, including academic eligibility, obtaining an athletic scholarship, health and wellness and how to be a leader on campus, among other topics.

“The most important thing I think is that they can show up on campus that first day, and maybe they’ll know 50 or 100 kids that they wouldn’t know otherwise,” Volz said. “School involvement often equals academic success and a positive view of the school.”

For more information on the Freshman Athletic Foundations Camp contact Ed Volz at 751-8230, Ext. 2255 or [email protected] or visit www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/highschool/brhs.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

Freshman Athletic Foundations Camp
WHEN: 6-8 p.m., every Monday and Wednesday through July 29 for girls and 6-8 p.m., every Tuesday and Thursday through July 30 for boys
WHERE: Braden River High School, 6545 State Road 70 East
REGISTRATION: $100
INFORMATION: Ed Volz, 751-8230, Ext. 2255 or [email protected].