Jump stretch room approved

LISBON -Thanks to a large portion of money coming from the Red and White Athletic Association, a locker room located in the sports complex of the high school will now be turned into a Jump Stretch room.

Athletic Director Eric Lowe said converting the locker room into a Jump Stretch room will be beneficial to all programs, including both boys' and girls' sports.

He said the only major changes to the room during conversion would be moving two lockers out, and that showers and restroom facilities would remain intact.

The Jump Stretch room would remain locked at all times and an electronic key would be given to all head coaches.

"They would take responsibility for what goes on in that room," Lowe pointed out. "Since we have limited facilities in some cases (this) gives us an area to train in...it would (also) prevent injuries, as well as rehab injuries that do occur. I think it would be a great thing to get involved in," he said.

According to Lowe, the room is "ballparked" to cost $15,000. The Red and White Athletic Association is putting $10,500 toward the cost of the room, and $4,500 will come from the athletic fund.

The Red and White Athletic Association is an independent association geared toward raising money for all Beaver Local athletics. The association formed in September and received non-profit identification not long after. The association is currently working toward achieving 501 C-3 non-profit status in order to receive corporate donations.

The association previously said it hopes to aid BL athletics on larger scale projects through hosting two major fundraisers a year, each earning $10,00 and up.

The association raised money last year by assisting with a Golf Outing at Turkana Golf Course and hosting an "Ultimate Auction" at the East Liverpool Motor Lodge.

"That group has worked very hard through those two fundraisers and it has been an accomplishment that in a year they have been able to generate funds for that," Lowe said.

Superintendent Sandra DiBacco praised members of the association for their cooperation with the project.

"You couldn't have picked a better project...all of the coaches have raved about how (Jump Stretch) helps all athletes with conditioning and fewer injuries. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

Jump Stretch, Inc. which is located in Stow, Ohio, was founded in 1980 by Dick Hartzell. Hartzell, 61, served as head football coach of many Ohio schools and also worked selling rubber bands. According to the company Web site, Hartzell began searching for a safer way for student athletes to gain strength, speed and power. He combined his two positions and began using rubber bands to perform exercises that proved beneficial for athletes.

The rubber bands used in Jump Stretch are called Flexbands, and student athletes use them in squats and four other exercises. Flexbands are also used for patient rehabilitation, strength gain, cardiovascular benefits, foot agility and weight lifting resistance. Jump Stretch isn't just for schools, anyone is able to purchase Jump Stretch equipment, the company advised.

Lowe said Dick Hartzell, who is originally from West Branch, personally offered to train Beaver Local coaches and older students for free on site if the district approves.