Coach creates online training program to keep teams together

YANKTON, S.D. (AP) - For Mark Roozen, the pandemic is no time for socially distant athletes to turn into couch potatoes.

Instead, the certified strength and conditioning coach challenges them to double down on their efforts - even if their seasons are canceled and they’re separated from their coaches and teammates.

In response, he has created and produced an online training program that does more than keep athletes fit. The partnering aspect of the program keeps teams “together while apart.”

“You have a really good window if you use the next 8-12 weeks. The things you gain will help you reach the best shape you’ve ever been,” he said of the unexpected situation.

“You have such an opportunity to gain on your competition if you’re willing to use it. Don’t be moping around. You can change your attitude 180 degrees,” Roozen told the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan.

“Coach Rozy,” as he is popularly known, serves Yankton and area schools. He admits the COVID-19 outbreak brings unprecedented mental and physical challenges for athletes missing sports and their teammates.

Given that vacuum, Roozen said his online workouts provide structure and while maintaining social distancing. “The kids can look up what is planned for the week, and each day’s workout is posted,” he said.

The online feature creates two measures of accountability, Roozen said.

“If an athlete hasn’t checked off that he or she has completed the day’s workout, the coach can find out what’s happened,” he said. “Now, athletes can just check off that they did the workout, but it’s going to be pretty apparent who has completed their workouts on a regular basis and who hasn’t done it.”

BEING PREPARED

The schools’ participation has exploded right out of the gate with more than 400 athletes so far, Roozen said. The effort has benefited from the partnerships already in place among himself, schools and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, whose foundation is covering the online workout’s costs.

“We saw this (pandemic) coming, and so we were actually looking at our operation and the ability to do some things,” he said. “We kind of jumped in with both feet to do something. We were saying, ‘OK, this is coming down the road. It would be helpful for everyone if Avera could get (the online program) pushed through quick. Let’s get this done and offer it to schools who aren’t necessarily doing our summer program.’”

Roozen has worked with the National Football League and college programs. In addition, he has worked with all levels of athletes from grade school to Olympians.

However, creating the online conditioning program faced numerous challenges. He needed to motivate young athletes to work out on their own but with a measure of accountability. In addition, he wanted the workout to be simple and not require major space or expensive equipment.

The “Coach Rozy” online program was born. The workout offers jumping, power and weight drills. Some drills use only the athlete’s body and resistance. Athletes can even use gallons jugs of water - weighing 8.2 pounds each - as a substitute for weights.

“We want them to progress to the next level,” he said. “When they do, we adjust the workout.”

POSITIVE REACTION

Ryan Mors, the Yankton School District activities director, said Roozen’s online workout offers a greatly-needed program during the uncertainty of the pandemic.

“The Yankton School District is very grateful to Coach Rozy and the Avera Sacred Heart Foundation for providing this unique opportunity to our student athletes during these unprecedented times,” Mors said.

“This online training program is providing our athletes with structured workouts that they can do on their own, in their homes, without traditional weight room equipment.”

Mors believes the benefits will go far beyond the athlete’s current playing days.

“I think in the long run, since these workouts are being done in isolation and they require a person to be self-motivated, they will ultimately help to create positive exercise habits in our students that will stick with them for a lifetime,” he said.

Gayville-Volin track coaches Larry Buffington and Jeremiah Dibley echoed those sentiments.

“Coach Rozy is a tireless worker who is totally dedicated to all the communities in our area. His energy is contagious. If there are five athletes logged on, or 35, his always gives them his best,” Buffington said.

“His knowledge and expertise are literally world renowned. We are very fortunate to have him back home. His staff - especially Ronnette Karstens and Kyle McKelvey - have also been a true blessing.”

Roozen was already working extensively with Gayville-Volin athletes, including the track squads, Dibley said.

“During the pandemic, (Roozen) has been very easy to work with,” the coach said. “He was kind enough to put our workouts into his Team Builder (program) so students would know daily what the workout was.”

In addition, Roozen brings a one-on-one feel to his work, Dibley said.

“He knows students by name and has a way of making them feel that they are always working towards bettering themselves,” the coach said. “He is positive yet firm and has high expectations for anyone who joins his sessions.”

WORKING AS A TEAM

The online workout program can be tailored for usage by each school, Roozen said.

“The schools can set up their own codes - the Yankton kids have their own code,” he said. “If other schools have already started and you’re two weeks behind, then you’re behind the eight-ball. But we can start you on the first week.”

Even with self-isolation in their homes or yards, athletes can still create a team workout or bond, Roozen said.

“We had kids who would work out together at the same time,” he said. “Or they would text each other and ask, ‘Hey I did my workout today, and I feel great! How about you?’ You can still communicate even if you don’t see your buddy.”

When it comes to conditioning, there’s no quickly making up for lost time, Roozen said.

“I can tell pretty quickly who was staying in condition and who was just hanging out and lying around,” he said. “And if I’m looking at athletes from a recruiting standpoint, the kids who are just sitting around probably aren’t going to attack the season with a burning passion.”

The online program’s benefits also entail the mind, body and spirit,” he said. “My whole goal is, can I make an impact on the kids from the standpoint of helping them feel better, look better and perform better?”

The online program provides a goal, whether working out alone now or with a team in the future, Roozen said.

“Don’t just dream it, do it,” he said. “Stay positive and realize, when we get in these situations (like a pandemic), there are things we can do and there are things we can’t do, but we can make the best of it.”

The workout regimen helps prepare participants for whatever the future holds, Roozen said.

“Normal will be different,” he said. “It won’t be the same normal, but it can be a better normal.”