Vale High School Revives Beloved Weightlifting Program Thanks to Alumni and Student Efforts

Vale High School in Vale, Oregon, has reintroduced a weightlifting program, thanks to the efforts of alumni and current teacher, Drew Dobney. Dobney, who also teaches the strength and conditioning class, aimed to revive the program from his high school days.

The weightlifting program encourages students to set personal fitness goals. It involves three different lifts: the deadlift, squat, and bench press. Students who achieve a combined weight of 1000 pounds across these lifts receive a t-shirt, a tradition from Dobney's school days.

The program's revival was made possible by Vale student Brogan Payne. Payne raised funds for new weightlifting equipment through his senior project, which involved students seeking sponsors for each pound they lifted. The funds were used to buy new equipment and t-shirts.

The program has been successful, with four students, Evan McBride, Jake DeVos, Kase Schaffeld, and John Saunders, reaching the 1000-pound goal. It has also been praised for its wider benefits, such as building confidence and camaraderie among the football team and maintaining players' fitness during the off-season.

Vale football coach Jeff Aldred and track and field coach Paul Bentz have noted the program's role in reducing injuries. Bentz stated that the weight room is crucial for all sports at Vale High School, and the program has been essential for his sport. He also reported fewer injuries during the current track and field season, which he attributes to the weightlifting program.

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