By Myra Bean

As the starting date for fall football practice nears, the local football teams continue their strength and conditioning program.

North Delta’s program got elevated with the addition of new workout equipment – top quality, 30-heavy metal equipment, according to head coach Lance Thomas.

The equipment was donated by a local business who will be named later, according to Thomas.

The big piece allows the players to do five workout event: bench, incline, squat, dips and pullups.

On the platform, the players do hang clings and power clings.

“This is what the colleges have,” Thomas said. “They are built toward explosive lifts.”

This equipment will add to program, Thomas added.

“It raises their work ethic,” Thomas said. “They take pride in what we have and enhance the program.”

On Tuesday and Thursday nights, Thomas, along with assistant coaches Brad Wilson and Hayden Sullivant, work with the skilled positions in 7-on-7 situations.

Bateman Greenlee has been directing the offense as quarterback.

“We are very young, but very talented,” Thomas said. “As time goes on they will get better.”

This group has potential over time to get better, according to Thomas.

“It will not happen all at once,” he said. “Over time we will be really good.”

The Green Wave will open the season at home August 22, hosting neighboring school Strider Academy of Charleston.

This is only one of three home games on the Green Wave’s schedule. The fifth home game turned into an open date on September 12 when Calhoun Academy failed to man a team.