Freshman Foundations Program

The transition from middle school to high school athletics is one of the most critical windows for long-term athletic development—and most athletes enter it unprepared.

Freshman Foundations is a 2-day hands-on program designed specifically for 8th grade athletes who want to step into their freshman year with confidence, competence, and a competitive edge.

This program is built to bridge the gap between basic movement and structured high school strength & conditioning, ensuring athletes don’t just survive their first off season—they thrive in it.

Day 1: Learn The Process

Athletes will be coached through the foundational movements that drive high school training programs using PVC pipes and controlled progressions. The focus is on:

  • Movement quality over more weight
  • Proper positioning, sequencing, and control
  • Understanding why behind each movement matters
  • Movements that will be taught:
    • Back Squat
    • Front Squat
    • RDL
    • Forward/Reverse Lunge
    • Split Squat
    • Bench Press
    • Overhead Press
    • Push Press
    • Inverted Row
    • Bent Over Row
    • Pull Up
    • Clean and Variations

This is where athletes build the technical foundation that most skip—and later struggle to correct.

Day 2: Apply the Skills

Athletes will transition into a guided, low-load training session, applying what they learned in a structured workout environment. With hands-on coaching, we reinforce:

  • Confidence under light weights
  • Proper execution of foundational lifts
  • Training habits and expectations for high school programs
  • Monitored and assisted by Loper Performance Staff to ensure safety and perfect technique

This session is designed to eliminate uncertainty and give athletes a clear blueprint of what’s ahead.

Why This Matters

The biggest separator in early high school athletics isn’t talent—it’s preparedness.

Athletes who understand movement, training structure, and expectations:

  • Adapt faster to high school programs
  • Reduce injury risk
  • Gain confidence in the weight room
  • Set the tone for long-term development

What Athletes Will Leave With

  • A clear understanding of foundational strength movements
  • Confidence stepping into a high school weight room
  • Improved movement mechanics and body control
  • Exposure to structured training expectations
  • Coaching cues and corrections they can carry into summer training

This is where the next level starts. Lay the foundation now—so when summer hits, you’re not learning… you’re leading.

Freshman Foundations Program Information: 

  • Dates: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 & Thursday, May 14, 2026
  • Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
  • Cost: $60.00

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 10th, 2026

Register Now

For any questions or to get your athlete enrolled today, contact TJ Roe, Director of Loper Performance, at roet2@unk.edu or Cameron Munger at mungerc@unk.edu, 308-865-8155, or by calling the UNK Physical Activity and Wellness Lab at 308-865-8336.