By Clare Merryman
In May, about 35 young athletes from Marathon High School are dedicating their time (and sweat) toward training for a more successful season this coming fall. With the help of coaches Mac Childress, Carl Stanton and Andre Garvey, the football team is practicing daily — learning plays, running plays and, ultimately, learning to function as a team for the coming fall season.
On Thursday, May 20, the team will play its only spring game at 3:30 p.m. at Somerset SOHO in Homestead.
Spring football is used as a mini season to begin learning positions, getting the team members back together, and hyping them up to begin summer training in just a few weeks.
“I am really excited to see all these boys’ hard work in the weightroom be put to the test. Several of them have gained more than 20 to 30 pounds in less than a year,” said Childress. “I can’t wait for the Friday nights when it all pays off.”
Thomas Eubank, a two-year member of the team, is grateful a spring season is offered. “It’s been really helpful getting all of this conditioning. Footwork drills, sprints, routes, play by plays, it all contributes. My team’s hard work will definitely show in the coming season.”
Anthony McGuire will be a senior this fall. “I am ready for my final year; we are all really eager to put in the work to earn a win. It will be a lot of work, but if any team can make such a large improvement, it will be our team,” he said.
The team, team supporters and Childress have been working recently to recruit more young athletes to play on the team. Currently, there are 10 rising freshmen who are in training to gain weight and muscle for the fall season.
