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“It’s not easy getting up early in the summer and doing uncomfortable work,” said long-time Hamilton coach and teacher, Dan VanHekken. That’s what makes the H.E.A.T. (Hamilton Educational Athletic Training) program so unique. 233 male and female Hamilton athletes grades 6-12 made a commitment to attend 21 total sessions over a seven week period during their “down time” in the summer.

The athletes worked with VanHekken and other Hamilton staff members: Phil Koops, Dylan Decker, Cam Stoel, and Kaitlin Fritzsche to work on exercise technique, speed and power development, conditioning, nutrition, injury reduction, leadership skills, and countless other lessons.

“The kids have embraced the challenge,” VanHekken added. “By the third or fourth week, we really see those consistent kids moving smoother, jumping and running more explosively, and visibly looking stronger. In addition to the physical side, we see the confidence grow. It’s rewarding for us as coaches to see the kids smile, pump their fist, and high five a teammate because they accomplished something they didn’t think they could.”