[Lambert #1]

I don't know. I have mixed emotions towards the weightlifting portion. I do think that there is a place for the weights as long as it's done correctly under adult supervision that has the child's interest at heart. Our program does lift weights and it is supervised by two adults (Chad Bates, Tom Sayers) both are Coach Howard's assistant head coaches that do it for the right reason and always have a safety first mentality. Both are trained on the correct procedure to work young men in the weight room facility and have many years of experience in doing so. They work with light weights and heavy reps and it has payed off for the team. 23 wins in two years and sending healthy young men to the high school level year in and year out is proof that it can work. However, I do think that if a middle school child is not supervised it can be extremely harmful to the kids. I do know that they use the new set's of rubber tubing and lots of plyo skills and drills to enhance the kids muscular development and stay away from putting any stress on growth plates and joints. We have access to use and information of our local East Kentucky Physical therapist if needed. Don't know about other middle school programs but I do know that Coach Howard and his staff are focused on safety and doing whatever it takes to develop our athletes of the future and doing it the correct way.