In football, it’s often what’s done off the field that leads to success on the field.
Ask nearly any coach, and he or she will say the foundation for success starts in the weight room. That’s certainly true of Plant City head coach Robert Paxia, who recently wrapped up a $20,000 renovation of Plant City’s room.
“I’ve always been a huge weight room guy,” Paxia said. “I won a state title when I was in high school, in weightlifting, and I’ve coached multiple state champions in the sport.”
Almost as soon as he joined Greg Meyer’s staff in May 2015, Paxia began to make moves to change things up in the school’s weight room. While still functional, much of the equipment was aging, and Paxia saw the layout could have used a few adjustments.
Now, there’s brand new equipment throughout the organized, open space. Much of it is decked out in diamond-plate — colored in Raider orange — and new signage lines the walls. The athletes have access to high-quality equipment, and overall reaction has been positive.
Paxia and the team credit the Plant City High boosters club for making the renovations a reality. With the upgrades, he believes the kids will be more motivated to work harder and keep in top football shape.
“I’m really trying to make that a priority for all the kids,” he said.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
BY THE NUMBERS
8 custom King Strength Half Rack Pro racks
8 custom PCHS banners
5 custom adjustable benches
7 VTX barbell bars
1 set of Troy Hex Head Pro Handle dumbbells
8 sets of Olympic spring collars
80 Olympic bumper and hammer tone plates (various weights)