Changes are under way at Brookhaven Academy. The weight trainingroom has been moved from the field house to a large classroom arealocated in the school’s gymnasium behind the west end basketballgoal.

According to new head football coach and high school principalRay Ishee, access to the weight training facility at the newlocation will be more available for athletes in all sports, juniorhigh and high school. “We plan to have a weight and fitness programduring the school day. It will help our overall program.”

Ishee’s football players have been participating in a summerconditioning program in preparation for the season ahead. TheCougars use nine different lifting stations on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays, working muscles in the upper and lower body.

In July Ishee reduced the lifting periods to twice a week andadded a series of conditioning exercises. The Cougars kick offtheir season Aug. 31, hosting Copiah Academy. Preseason practicebegins Aug. 6.

“We have a good coaching staff and a nucleus of kids who haveworked hard this summer,” said Ishee. “You have to stay healthyduring the season and working hard in the weight room reallyhelps.”

Senior quarterback Ben Davis agreed with his head coach. “Thisis how you win games, in the weight room. It all starts righthere.

“Coach Ishee has done a great job with the weight room.”

Cal Hodges, a junior guard/linebacker, said weights are a key tosuccess on the gridiron. “It gives you a better jump off the ball.It helps your endurance and quickness. I enjoy liftingweights.”

Moving the weight training room to the gymnasium has made morespace available in the field house. It allows the varsity andjunior high to have separate dressing rooms. Ishee and somevolunteers have installed new, painted cubicles.

Ishee said work is under way on a new practice field, locatedwest of the stadium. It could be available for some practices nextmonth if the grass continues to spread.

Plans are finalized for a new, asphalt parking area behind thegymnasium. Reserved parking spaces for football and basketballgames will be available.