With the new school year on everyone’s mind, preparations are in order for parents, teachers, and even student-athletes to return to the classroom and to the sporting arenas.
Getting into high gear for the school year ahead means scoring big on keeping the mind focused and getting the physique in tip-top shape.
The Tar football team at Denby High School knows all too well how to get prepped for what will be a challenging season ahead, both in academics and in the classroom, as pressure and anticipation are building for what’s sure to be an exciting season ahead.
But part of executing a great play on the field means the young Tar men must prepare their bodies for runs, tackles, and some of the most grueling hits they’ll have to endure from their opponents.
“We utilize our weight room to the best of our ability,” said Zach Carr, Head Football Coach at Denby High School (DPSCD) in Detroit.
“We have workouts that are tailored to building muscle mass. We also conduct exercises that focuses on mental health as well. We work on the body and work on the brain.”
Concerns for youth health have taken a sharper focus among parents of student-athletes as hospital visits rise during their respective sports seasons and as reports of injuries and medical incidents of those involved in recreational or sporting activities can be alarming.
It was concerning for fans of one of the most popular college athletes, Bronny James, eldest son to NBA star Lebron James, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session. Equally concerning was the incident in 2022 with Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who collapsed after colliding with another player on the field during a primetime game.
There are several studies that highlight the reality of medical emergencies for some people who are very fit and in a competitive sport.
Coach Carr understands the importance of keeping his team equipped with the tools needed to maintain physical fitness and mental toughness so that his players can endure the rigors of a long high school football season.
“This sport is sometimes about taking that needed break, like ‘hey coach, I’m just not feeling it today.’ It’s okay to say that. I know we play a gladiator sport, but for me as a coach, I really pay attention to the signs. I’m watching where a kid may appear different, where they’re running hard or a little too hard, any signs of a red flag,” he said.
The team has an open-door policy that allows students to communicate with coaches and other leaders if something personally is wrong or challenging. Carr maintains that the health of his students is one of his top priorities.
And, with the assistance of assistant Coach Mark Mobley, Carr and his students strive for their core goals of Character, Accountability, Relationship, and Respect (C.A.R.R. – a play on his last name) on and off the field.
As much as the players feel a sense of pride layered with some disciplined mentorship to play for coaches Carr and Mobley, there is a spark of excitement and school pride that comes from this football.
“It’s part of the brotherhood of football, right?” Carr said as he alluded to the players having fun in the sport. “We’ve got Amire who is the jokester who gets the guys going. We leave it open for our guys to be themselves. Just because you play football, doesn’t mean you got to walk around with a frown on. Show your personality and let’s grow within that.”
But it’s not just the coaches leading these groups of young Tar men to a touchdown. They’re being managed daily by one of their student peers, who happens to be a young woman.
“I make sure the boys stay in line,” says Marianna Davis, Tar team manager. “I’m glad this role opened up for me. They’re like my second family.”
Davis is a tenth grader who walks to and from school with her brother, who plays on the football team. Not aligned with walking home alone, she wanted to stay around at the school longer and help her brother and the team.
With permission from Carr, she signed herself into becoming the team’s manager.
“We actually can’t do this work without her,” Carr said. “She’s absolutely phenomenal, she makes sure the guys have what they need, …she takes it serious in making sure the coolers are filled, making sure the equipment is right where we need it to be, mouthpieces, and much more.”
As the players set their eyes on being ready for the games ahead this season, the young athletes understand they can only be as prepared and healthy as they are led to be, inspired by the leadership and mentorship of coaches Carr and Mobley.
“They are like father figures to me; to the whole team,” said Amire Harris, a senior running back.
“These guys help you in your everyday life. It’s not just about football with these guys. It’s more-so a life-teaching thing. When we’re on the field, we’re learning about things that happen in our everyday life such as adversity. Football helps you take it on.”
