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BSU works into game shape
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A classic motto in sports is the saying “practice makes perfect.” Boise State tailback Ian Johnson and defensive end Nick Schlekeway know all about practice and hard work, because for them there is no off-season.
“We have been working hard non-stop since last season ended,” Schlekeway said. “You’ve got to keep yourself in shape because we play at such a high level during the season and it is so demanding.”
Since the Broncos’ season opener against Weber State ended last Thursday night, BSU Head Coach Chris Petersen and a handful of Broncos have talked a lot about getting back into “game shape” before Saturday’s match-up with the University of Washington.
“It’s hard for any of our guys to be in game shape without playing in games,” Petersen said. “You know you kind of get into a rhythm and in some ways, as the season gets on, you’re just trying to fight the fatigue of the season.”
For Johnson it’s important the tailback stays healthy throughout the season. The best way for him to do that is to get back into game shape as quickly as possible.
“It’s like it’s a whole new deal to really just play, play, play, play,” Johnson said. “I’ve got a lot of things to work on this week to get ready or Washington.”
Johnson looked terrific in his season debut against the Wildcats when he ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns.
But Johnson said he knows he is still a little ways off being where he needs to be physically.
“It’s so much different in real game time situations than in scrimmages against your own guys,” Johnson said. “I could feel out there [against Weber] that I wasn’t fully in game shape and that will just take time to get there.”
One big reason for BSU’s success last season was due to the fact that the Broncos were able to maintain top physical shape and avoided many plaguing injuries throughout the year.
“We work hard to stay in shape as much as we can,” Schlekeway said. “Because we do that we can compete at a high level and endure through four quarters of play and still
play hard.”
The Broncos are well known for their high-octane offense and their ability to put points on the board. But the ability to do that doesn’t come without preparation and hard work during the off-season and in practices throughout the year.
“Our guys work hard to stay in shape and play at a high level,” Petersen said. “One of the reasons we play so well is because our guys are conditioned for it because that is something we focus on in practice. We want to make sure these guys can play hard from start to finish each week.”
Being in game shape also helps the Broncos avoid injury. Throughout the summer months Johnson nursed injuries and seldom played in spring practice or in fall scrimages.
“Before I go out and play I want to make sure I’m healthy,” Johnson said. “Once I play in some games and get a few hundred yards under my belt I’m sure I’ll feel better.”
With Washington just around the corner, Johnson appears to be running at full speed and will be ready come game time on Saturday night.
“We’ll be prepared,” Johnson said. “We’ll treat them [Washington] with the same respect we give to anyone else. But we’ll be excited and ready to play.”
TATE CASTLETON
Sports Writer