Conroe Football hosted a "Lineman Challenge" this past Saturday and had a positive showing, finishing third overall out of 13 local teams. The "Challenge" is designed for interior linemen to compete in multiple "strength-centric" events such as the bench press, tire toss, and obstacle course to name a few.
"Its king of a 'strong man' event, a way for the offensive and defensive line to showcase their talents," said Garrett Langthorp, Conroe's offensive line coach.
"The skill guys have their 7on7 that they get to do throughout the summer, this is the o-line and d-line version of that."
The competition is designed to encourage teamwork and build camaraderie amongst the linemen which is what coaches want to see on game day.
Conroe will be led this fall by a senior-laden line led by left tackle Adan Pavon, left guard Brayden Stafford and center John David Cisneros. Saturdays event was at times grueling in the Texas heat.
"We came out today to compete with teams in our conference and to show everyone who Conroe is," said Cisneros.
"Our team has some young talent out today, our goal is to work together and ultimately get our unit ready for the season and to make the playoffs this year"
Making the postseason would be a major accomplishment for the Tigers who haven't played past the regular season since 2012. The last winning season for the Tigers was a 6-4 season in 2008 under then head coach Roger Holtcamp.
Second year head coach Cedric Hardeman is building a winning culture for a Tiger program that has not had a 10 win season since 1985.
"We have a real strong team heading into the fall with a lot of returners" said Langthorp.
"For the first time in a while our line will be full of upperclassmen who can fill a lot of roles and that will help us."
Conroe opens the season Friday, August 30 at home against Mayde Creek.
