Being a College Athlete is a Full Time Job
by Heather Catlin

Neither the Hurricanes, the Wolfpack nor the Yellow Jackets will be in Chapel Hill next Saturday, so why’s the football team practicing in Kenan Stadium? It is spring practice, one phase of the team's off-season training.

The only time fans get to cheer on their favorite Tar Heel is during the competitive season, but the training doesn’t stop there.

Jeff Connors, assistant athletics director for strength and conditioning, said the off-season program is imperative to an athlete’s performance. Football it is not just about crashing into each other.

“For football, we have specific attributes we’re trying to develop in each athlete," said Connors. "They include hip rotary power, absolute power, upper body strength, lower body strength, agility punch, de-acceleration, acceleration, and flexibility."

Senior Justin Phillips weighed 190 pounds before training with the football team. After three years, Phillips has gained 55 pounds of solid muscle. He says the lifting and running makes a difference on the field.

“It gives you the strength you need for the season, so you can last and be productive,” said Phillips.

The overall goal of the strength and conditioning program is to improve an athlete's overall performance, strength and speed. Athletes in the off season work just as hard as they do in season, but they focus more on strength and conditioning rather than competition.