By Jager Barnes
Louisville’s winter sports, both basketball and wrestling, have officially started their seasons. But before all the practices and games, the athletes from both sports compete in their own conditioning weeks.
At the end of the boys basketball conditioning week they have “Heart of the Lion.¨ Similar to a pacer test, its purpose is for athletes to prove their commitment and dedication to the success of their team. Heart of the Lion started in 2019.
Coach Rice said, “Coaches wanted some type of conditioning that was more than just who was fast and who was strong, but who was willing to put in the work necessary to work through the pain.”
Not only does this intensive workout push the players in the moment, but it also leads to building confidence and leadership later in the season.
Rice says he believes it “builds confidence, but more than anything, the other players see who is willing to go outside their comfort level, willing to really dial it in on that court, just to stay in, to work harder and hurt more. And I think that says a lot about leadership.”
Jase Ostblom is a junior starter on the boys basketball team. Although Jase didn't finish first, he did get top 3 after not competing in a fall sport, unlike 1st and 2nd place. Even though Ostblom wasn't involved in a fall sport, he was quite prepared. Ostblom says his routine consisted of stretching just his legs for about 10 minutes, eating an egg sandwich the morning of, and, of course, getting to bed early for a good night's rest before the tough day ahead of him. But he focused a lot on his mindset. Ostblom said he was preparing to place high in the competition by his thoughts in his head the day before.
Ostblom said, “Everyone has some confidence in themselves. I was a little surprised that I got top three because I really didn't play a sport. All the football boys and cross country boys are all running every single day, getting in good shape, and then there's me just playing basketball every couple of days. So that just really showed how hard I push myself and keep myself in shape, but it is a lot more mental than physical because I think it's just how well you can push yourself to the limits.¨
It's hard to be pushed out of your comfort zone, the athletes they look forward to Heart of the Lion, and that's why Coach Rice doesn't see this competitive tradition ending anytime soon. This activity doesn't just teach who has the most endurance or in best shape, but it shows who is dedicated. Players are giving their all to the sport proving they will give their all for their team in practice or in a game.