Last week a lightning storm cut short a Durant High football practice, hindering what the team could get accomplished on the field.
In years past that would have meant the end of practice, or worse yet the start of a rather dismal routine.
"We'd go to the baseball dugouts, and just sit there. That's no fun," said Durant head coach Mike Gottman, much happier now that the Cougars have a field house.
During inclement weather, Durant players now head inside and watch game film or work out. Or whatever fun can be had in a 6,000-square foot facility that is state-of-the-art.
"What a difference. It's just a better overall situation for us," Gottman said. "And just to be able to get away from the craziness of the end of the school day, in our own space, is a big plus."
Situated adjacent to the Durant High football stadium, just to its south, the field house basically has given the football team room to breathe. More than half of the space is taken up by a weight room.
Until January when the space became functional, Durant had to work it out in three different areas. One was a classroom, and that was desirable compared to the closet - yes, a closet - where some went to get in some reps.
"Just to be able to train as a unit, instead of splitting everybody up, is great," said Gottman, whose young squad is preparing for its preseason game this week at Gaither.
Gottman said about 90 percent of the team's starting lineup is set so Friday's game will provide the chance to evaluate the positions still up for grabs.
Plant City High's preseason contest, also Friday, is at home against Tampa Bay Tech.
Both kickoffs are set for 7:30 p.m.
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