When one thinks about the sport of cross country, weight training is often the last thing one would associate with the sport but none the less it is an important factor.

Although cross country is a running based endurance sport weight training plays a big role. ADM head cross country coach David Zwank is a big advocate of all types of training and this year he looks to add a slightly different feel to the weight training workouts.

Raccoon Valley Radio sat down with coach Zwank as he talked about the role of weight training for his team and the different twist he looks to implement this season.

“The thing is we’re not in the weight room as much and we’re not slapping on a lot of 45 plates and doing those things. We do most of it as body weight work but I think what we’re going to get better out of this season is some resistance where you do have in the weight room and you still are moving bars and just even general athletic types of things and so I’m excited by that,” smiled coach Zwank.

As coach Zwank looks to continually provide the best training for his athletes, he has enlisted the help of a very skilled newcomer to ADM high school for a common goal.

“I’ll have to shout out to our new strength and conditioning coach Chris Rupe and how he’s come in hand in hand with me to help out on that. It’s not necessarily something in my wheel house but it’s certainly something we recognize and know. You can point out the women’s world championships, Jenny Simpson an Iowa born girl got second place and I guarantee she’s doing some resistance work. That’s kind of the model you want to point to and try and at least emulate. We’re not slapping on, trying to move a lot of weight but there is a strength component in how the whole body works together and we’re going to try and make that a better part of our overall plan,” stated coach Zwank.

Coach Zwank and both Tiger cross country teams are just over two weeks away from their first meet of the season in Urbandale.