SSHS Unveils Cutting-Edge Strength and Conditioning Center, Elevating Athletic Performance and Accessibility to Resistance Training

The new strength and conditioning center at Steamboat Springs High School provides sport-specific training to student-athletes and accessible weight training for the SSHS school community. 

“This is a jump forward compared to what we had,” said Luke DeWolfe, SSHS assistant principal and athletic director. “Before, we had an old-school weight room, and now we have a cutting-edge facility that is on par with small college weight rooms.” 

The new facility was funded through a $100,000 donation to the school from a lifelong supporter of SSHS athletics, $35,000 from the SSHS Booster Club, $85,000 from advertising and fundraising, and $8,000 from District and building-level funds. 

The equipment in the training facility was selected to provide SSHS student-athletes with access to sport-specific training and to bolster options for strength, stability, and core work, providing a competitive advantage. 

Lisa Renee Tumminello, SSHS cross country and track and field coach, said that the new facility provides the opportunity to train the way we move in everyday life, by creating real-life movement patterns that translate into life and sport.

“We want to take what each team does outside and recreate it inside,” said Tumminello. “With a philosophy of "multi-dimensional" training, in a way that helps SSHS athletes train year-round.

Students have access to a Dual-Cable Cross, and other functional equipment, allowing for high-end sport-specific training modality. For example, a golfer can set up the machine to imitate a golf swing, or a soccer player can work on movements specific to kicking a ball. 

Additionally, the layout of the strength and conditioning center accommodates more students, expanding access to weight training. Each of the 15 weight training stations can fit 2-3 students, accommodating 45 students during weight training classes. 

“We wanted to create a space that was accessible for all, including those who are new to fitness, our P.E. programs, our athletic teams, and those who are working on prevention or rehabilitation of injury,” said Tumminello. “Students and staff at SSHS will have the opportunity to feel better and perform better for a lifetime.”

“Kids take a lot of pride in seeing their logos and to know it is a state-of-the-art facility,” said DeWolfe. “They can come in here and work at a very high level. This area gets used a lot more than it ever has in the past.”