As a biology teacher and strength and conditioning coach, Jessica Gust said she never underestimates the importance of education for athletes.

The High Flyers program offers selected athletes the opportunity of a higher quantity and specialization of workouts to the regular strength and conditioning program, according to Gust.

Gust said she sees the new High Flyers program as an opportunity to help athletes prepare for future athletic plans.

“My goal is to create a higher level of accountability across the board for kids who are looking to play college sports because in order to play college sports you need to be able to balance academics and athletics,” Gust said.

Freshman Jake Olson said the program provides an opportunity for students to reach a new level of athletic ability.

“I have gone to strength for a few years now and I have seen a lot of improvements in my athletic ability, and I would love to take it up a notch,” Olson said. “I think (High Flyers) will create more interest for the athletes that are on a higher level in our school.”

Olson said although the coaches enforce academic performance, the weight room provides enough encouragement to do well in school.

“Having good grades has always been a requirement in my family to play sports, and I think this would just reinforce that,” Olson said.

Gust said students are required to submit grade sheets to the coaches and show up to 90 percent of the practices every four week period. From there, the coaches evaluate whether the student’s performance in the weight room and the classroom should allow them to continue in the High Flyers program.

“The tools for academic and athletic commitment cross over and you start to manage your time better in your sport and school,” Gust said. “That is why we discuss grades rather than use them as a consequence, because students should be accountable for their grades.”

To apply for the High Flyers program, submit an application to Jessica Gust.

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