Members of the Forest Hills Northern baseball team are filled with the anticipation of what a new season will bring. This year, however, the excitement isn’t just about stepping onto the field, it’s about the hard work and dedication the team has put into transforming themselves off the field.

With a rigorous off-season team training at PowerStrength Training Systems, the players have honed their skills, built camaraderie, and are poised for a standout season ahead.

“Overall it has just been a really good environment to train in,” FHN senior pitcher and 1st baseman Solomon VanDam said. “I feel like every time I come here, the music is always great, we just come into a great vibe and can just work out with your baseball teammates and just have fun doing it.”

Throughout the fall and winter months, members of the FHN baseball team dedicated themselves to enhancing their athleticism and strength at PowerStrength. Their goal was to become faster, stronger, more agile, and more confident, ultimately translating these gains into improved performance on the field.

“My PowerStrength experience has been really good,” FHN senior pitcher Brendan O’Connor added. “I love all the coaches here, I’ve gotten a lot bigger, stronger, faster. Feel like I’ve gotten a lot quicker, more explosive and overall it has just been a really good and fun experience.” 

The team’s results reflect the hard work put in the last several months. On average, the team was much faster in their 10-yard sprint and added 3 inches to their broad jump. Parker Schramski was nearly one-tenth faster on his 10-yard sprint and gained 8 inches on the broad jump.

“I definitely think PowerStrength has helped me get more power on the mound and hitting as well,” FHN senior pitcher and 3rd baseman Andrew Conrad said. “I think it definitely helped me unlock some potential I didn’t know I had.”

BUILDING CHEMISTRY

The team’s commitment to their off-season training regimen extended beyond mere physical exertion; it fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among the players. 

“It has helped us bond a lot more as an entire group,” O’Connor said. “I feel like we’ve all just had a lot of fun encouraging each other and getting bigger, faster, and stronger together.” 

Working out as a group not only strengthened their bodies but also their bonds as teammates, laying a solid foundation for success on the field.

“I think we have definitely built a camaraderie here around all of our players,” Conrad added. “It is exciting seeing everyone push each other to become the best version of themselves.”

INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION

As the off-seasons progressed, the players sessions focused on speed, agility, and strength. Each training session was carefully tailored to address the specific needs of baseball players, emphasizing explosive movements and functional strength.

“At PowerStrength you have coaches directing you through every move,” O’Connor said. ”It is a lot more hands-on and you can determine whether you are doing a workout right or wrong and they can help you during your workout.”

The 1-on-1 attention provided to each athlete by the PSTS coaches was a real difference maker in their transformations.

“I definitely think it helped me manage how much weight I was doing,” Conrad said. “Doing the right weight properly helps you prevent injury as well.”

RESULTS

Now, as the spring season approaches, the Forest Hill Northern baseball team stands on the brink of a new chapter in their journey. Armed with newfound athleticism and team chemistry forged through months of dedication, they eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase their progress on the field.

“I’ve definitely seen a difference these past few months in hitting and pitching,” O’Conner said. “I feel like I’m throwing harder, I’m hitting the ball harder, I just feel a lot more explosive.” 

Senior outfielder Same Lutkenhoff made some of the biggest strides during the team training, dropping his 10-yard sprint by 0.08 seconds and adding 5 inches to his broad jump.

“I have definitely excelled in power and stuff like that,” Lutkenhoff said. “My hitting is a completely different swing than last year for sure.”

For these athletes, the upcoming season is not just about winning games; it’s about pushing their limits and realizing their full potential. With their sights set on success, FHN is ready to demonstrate how their offseason dedication at PowerStrength will translate on the diamond.

“My arm feels whippier when I’m pitching,” VanDam said. “I am just throwing a lot faster.”

The team knows that the hard work and sacrifices they’ve made during the off-season will soon be put to the test. With unwavering determination and a shared commitment to excellence, the Forest Hills Northern baseball team is poised to make their mark on the upcoming season, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication, teamwork, and triumph.

“I just see us as a team getting stronger,” VanDam said. “At the end of the day a stronger team is just going to go further.”

WANT TO SEE BIG RESULTS?

PowerStrength offers specific partnerships and team training options in all sports to get faster, stronger, and more confident.

5th-12th grade athletes of all sports and ability levels can sign-up at PowerStrength at anytime throughout the year while spots remain.  Multiple sessions are offered after school and into the evening, specific times are varied by location.

PowerStrength has 4 locations in West Michigan – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, and Plainfield

Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to Get Started.