Washington student athletes wait their turn to use equipment in the school’s weight room facility at Case Field. Photo courtesy of Erin Smith, Washington Community School District.

The Washington Athletic Boosters are asking for community support in helping to upgrade the school’s weight room facility.

Washington’s strength and conditioning program has increased to 150 students, and booster club president Erin Smith says the organization is looking to purchasing new Powerlift racks  and platforms for the Washington State Bank Strength and Conditioning Center at Case Field. She adds the current racks can only be used by one person at a time, and the platforms are starting to become worn and dangerous due to overuse. The facility currently has 10 of these racks, and are used by athletes for squats, bench press, push press and more.

The athletic boosters are looking to purchase 10 new Powerlift racks and platforms by this spring, allowing three students to use the equipment at any given time. Smith says this will allow for less wait time between repetitions, ultimately increasing efficiency in the Demons’ weight program.

Demon athletic teams including baseball, boys and girls basketball, cross country, football, softball, track, volleyball, and wrestling use this equipment year round to condition for their seasons.

Smith says the new racks will cost around $53,000. So far, $40,000 has been raised since August. She adds any donation amount will be accepted, and she can spread the amount over a three-year time period.

To donate or to set up a tour of the Washington State Bank Strength and Conditioning Center at Case Field, call Smith at the Washington High School, (319) 653-2143.