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, who is much happier now that the Cougars have a field house.
During inclement weather, Durant players now head inside and watch game film, work out or have whatever fun can be had in a 6,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility.
"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, to its south, the field house 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 out in three different areas. One was a classroom, and that was desirable compared to the closet - yes, a closet - where others 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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