Panthers looking to continue building on 2014 campaign

BY: TRACEY JAGNEAUX
Sports Editor

The 2015 version of the Pine Prairie Panthers are in the weight room this summer, working hard to make sure that the 2014 campaign  was not a wasted one.
In 2014, the Panthers made tremendous strides toward building a program that has been long in the making.
Head Coach Yves Prince knows that what happens this offseason is as important as what happened during the season last year.
“Even though it doesn’t show it our record, last year was a big stepping stone for us,” stated Prince. “We were in a lot of ball games last year and the players know now that with hard work this offseason, we can get better this coming year.”
The Panthers have been going at it hard three days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.  since the summer began.
Prince has been really pleased with the progress his team has made not only in the weight room but also in the conditioning phase.
“I’m impressed the way the players have come out and worked this summer,” said Prince. “We do the full workout. After we finish with the weights, we are outside running and getting our selves into shape. We also do some sled work and then we go through the offensive and defensive drills necessary to get us better.”
As far as turnout is concerned, Prince is satisfied with the numbers that have shown up thus far.
“We have been averaging about 30 players a day so far,” commented Prince. “That is a pretty decent number considering a lot of these kids work during the summer. We also have players that do not live very close to the school, so they have transportation issues to deal with.”
With the season fast approaching, the Panthers are definitely on the right track to success this offseason. Has it paid off? Only time and a whole football season will tell.