Every Day Matters at Pre-Season Training

“A well-oiled machine” is the phrase Athletic Director Travis Brantingham used to describe this year’s Upper School pre-season training. Far from referring to an impersonal, rote, and mechanical exercise, Coach Brantingham was reflecting on the degree of harmony, efficiency, and calm that marked this year’s two-week summer “sports camp” for Principia’s football, soccer, volleyball, softball, tennis, and cross- country athletes.

Beginning with the fact that all of Principia’s regular coaches were on hand for pre-season training to outstanding support from the boys’ and girls’ home departments, and a refreshing break from the scorching summer weather that lifted a day after the students arrived, this year’s training session was one of the best yet. Much of the credit goes to the “awesome” athletes, Brantingham says, who “brought an outstanding quality of thought to their activities.”

In all, about 75 percent of the Upper School student body (or 180) student-athletes turned out at the end of August to fulfill the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) athletic training requirements. “Every day of the training is structured and includes a variety of mandatory activities,” Brantingham explained. “Every day matters.” And not just to complete the state’s checklist.

Character education, an essential ingredient in Principia’s athletic program, was apparent everywhere you looked. The boys’ soccer team, for example, held evening talks on the Ten Commandments, and every athlete wrote a paper about the qualities of a Bible character he admired. Members of the girls’ softball team wrote personal reflections on the Lord’s Prayer. Individually, athletes pointed to leadership, persistence, and teamwork as key lessons learned.

Freshman Elias Early-Manchester said, “I worked hard every single minute and challenged myself in all sorts of new ways. Playing older, more experienced players was tough. I learned so much from them and really improved as a soccer player. The best part was bonding with my teammates.”

Senior Ross Furbush reflected on his experiences over the past four years as a Principia athlete: “I remember coming here as a freshman and meeting all these really cool seniors. Now, my teammates are looking to me for leadership, support, and as an example in everything. I’m leading, and as I’m doing it, I’m thinking about those who led me.”

Clearly, these student-athletes have learned that success requires hard work, diligence, and service to others—and that every day matters.

For photos, highlights, and in-depth information on Upper School athletics, check out our new athletic website.