BENICIA HIGH junior Koe Alava, a wrestler and football player for the Panthers, lifts weights at Jute Crossfit in Benicia.

Planned construction at Benicia High’s Drolette Stadium forced the school’s summer weight training program to find a new home. The coaching staff at Jute CrossFit in Benicia’s industrial park was happy to oblige.

The Jute CrossFit Gym, located at 6002 Egret Ct., is hosting three separate one-hour morning classes for the next three weeks, helping Panther athletes get stronger for next season.

“We knew our facilities would be locked down for the summer because of the construction on the stadium, so we talked with the district and they agreed we could look for places that could accommodate 85-90 athletes,” said Benicia High athletic director Craig Holden. “It’s working pretty good and has turned out to be a pleasant surprise.”

Level 1 certified coach Alan Bates joins fellow certified coaches Justin Olasiman and Mahriah Atkinson at Jute CrossFit. Benicia athletes are learning proper weightlifting techniques and fitness strategies.

“We couldn’t have been happier,” Bates said of hosting Benicia’s summer weight training program. “One of our main focuses is trying to get to the local youth involved. We’re using total body movements to try and get better.

“The first week we’re teaching them the fundamentals – how to lift something off the ground properly; how to press something over your head properly. We don’t give them the heavy weights until they’ve done the fundamental things and get the technique.”

“They’re helping us out tremendously,” Holden said. “Going an entire summer without weight training would have been brutal. The kids are all loving it and things are going well. Everyone’s working hard and it’s fun to see.”

For more information on the Jute CrossFit Gym’s physical training program, call 334-1836.

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