Baker County Bears are back in the den for conditioning

NEWTON, Ga. – After months away from school due to COVID-19 concerns, some area high school athletes are back in the gym for summer workouts.

And the teens at Baker County K-12 School mean business.

“It actually feels good to be back, getting back on the weights, running trying to get right,” says junior, Moises Perez.

Per GHSA guidelines, high school students are welcomed back at school to shake off the rust.

Recommendations and restrictions (GHSA)

“I can tell none of my kids have did nothing the whole entire break,” says coach Jessie Atkins.

And although lifting weights, running drills and flipping tires may bring back a sense of normalcy, COVID-19 concerns still loom over the conditioning sessions.

“It’s all new, it’s different but we have to take the proper precautions to make sure our kids are safe.”

Precautions like taking temperatures, filling out questionnaires, and spraying down equipment.

“It’s different but it’s all worth it.”

GHSA also recommends keeping workout groups separate and under 20 people including coaches. And the students here aren’t complaining but instead doing what they can to keep everyone healthy.

“We’re also staying safe being staying 6ft apart and being protective,” says senior, A’londria Gibson.

And since Baker County K-12 School has such a small student body, coaches can focus on making their athlete’s back to pre-COVID-19 condition.

“Being up in the weight room you can tell I gotta do a little more moving,” says Perez.

And here, it’s not just about moving.

Gibson says, “I’m really feeling good about this season not only are we playing sports but we’re also having fun and getting better.”

Their last season may have been cut short, but the young athletes have a lot to look forward to.