Wauwatosa West Senior Track team member Gabe Semons is already preparing for his last track season. He is worried about conditioning his body and mind to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming season.
“I was mostly trying to prepare myself mentally because I realized I would have pre-race anxiety and participating in S.A.S gave me more confidence in my ability. I remember my coach told us “It’s normal to have anxiety when competing in any sport but when you give it your all in training and know what you’re capable of you gain more confidence, and nobody can take that from you. “ 
Semons is using the after school training program at Tosa West called S.A.S or “Strength, Agility and Speed” S.A.S is a program that aims to help prepare and push athletes by strengthening and conditioning them for their sports as they enter the off-season or as they approach their season.
“S.A.S gave me that push I needed and with other athletes from various other sports doing S.A.S we all motivate each other to push past our limits, creating a sense of community among us.”
Students gain more than just improved physical fitness. Students gain a supportive community and an impact on their sport.
“People come together from different sports, we work out together, we get in and get out and do what we gotta do, and we encourage each other, it’s like a family.” Said junior Kahlil Baki.
Other People also felt the same way as Kahlil Baki. S.A.S. isn’t just a place to work out but also to grow relationships with other people.
“Since everyone is doing the workout and focusing on their strengths and weaknesses we are encouraging each other and that’s making friends along the way. Everyone is just building each other up as individuals”
S.A.S doesn’t only build community among athletes but also results as well.
“I’ve noticed that my acceleration has been a lot better and I can apply way more force into the ground when I run.” Said Sophomore Christian Collins, who is on the track team.
Other athletes from all types of sports have stated the same positive results from S.A.S.
“Last year I did S.A.S. before track and I gained a lot of speed and strength. It was nice because I ended up being in more events than usual.” Said Senior Terrion Cunningham, who is on the football team as well as the track and field team.
Another important aspect of S.A.S. is how it works as injury prevention for athletes in the long run as well.
“Any time you do strength training, and teach kids how to accelerate or decelerate, and work on flexibility it will decrease injuries a lot and prevent them from happening in the first place.” Said Physical Fitness teacher Matt Good, who is also the head coach of the track and field team.
If you’re an athlete and still feeling hesitant about joining S.A.S., Coach Good and Coach Barry can reassure you.
“I encourage any athlete to do S.A.S. The improvements you make will make you a better athlete, you just have to stick with it. S.A.S. is a process, like anything in life, something that is good will take time to develop you’re not going to get better in a day but you are going to be drastically different from the beginning compared to the end. You will make improvements in all areas whether it’s your strength, speed, or agility.” Said the assistant coach of the Track and Field team Pecus Barry.
Good gave similar advice as Barry.
“Stick with it, it might not be easy for you but it’s going to benefit you. If you’re serious about being a better athlete I would encourage you to do it and just watch your growth over the next few months or the next few years. It’s phenomenal what happens to your body when you’re consistent.” Said Good
