Chargers Fighting Through the Heat, Wear and Tear on the Body, and Staying Sharp Mentally

As the Hillsdale College football program makes it way through 2009 pre-season preparation, the hottest and stickiest days of the summer have arrived.

A little bit of rain has rolled through possibly adding some relief, but staying focused mentally is how the Chargers are working to beat the heat and overcome the physical toll camp can have on the body.

Senior captain linebacker Mat Szula said, "I think most of the guys are doing a great job of battling through things mentally. It has been hot out there, but guys have been doing a good job of ignoring it and staying focused on playing football. We all realize that we have a great opportunity this season and are excited about it."

Killing downtime in a stimulating and productive way can be another challenge many players face during camp. Many Chargers are studying another kind of playbook in their time away from the field.

"I'd like to think doing a bible study 3 times a week in the midst of all this physical training is helping to keep guys spirits up and helping to put things in perspective," Szula commented. "I've been trying to get the idea of 1 Timothy 4:8 through to the guys, 'for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.'"

Hillsdale scrimmaged last night and will scrimmage again on Saturday before opening the season at St. Joe's in Rensellear, IN on August 28.