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Freedom High bulks up

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: November 11, 2009

TAMPA PALMS - First-year Freedom High head football coach James Harrell is determined to turn the school's program into a state championship contender.

To accomplish that, Harrell said his players need to develop at a faster rate physically.

Thanks to an $8,000 grant from the National Football League's Youth Football Fund, that goal is attainable.

Harrell, who played eight years in the NFL at linebacker, said the league gives grants to former players working with youth football. That money went toward constructing a new weight room on the Freedom High campus. The driver's education classroom was converted into a weight room to allow more space.

The weight room includes former equipment (free weights, machines) and two new, large, rubber weight platforms, which Harrell handpicked, and medicine balls. Harrell said Tampa's Paint on Demand donated paint for the new workout area.

"Right now, this is what you'll see in all college and NFL teams," Harrell said. "It's going to make us bigger, faster and stronger. This allows you to take a freshman and measure his improvement. This will also encourage kids to come to their neighborhood school."

Freedom athletic director and former track and field coach Elijah Thomas agreed.

"I think it'll be a big plus for us," said Thomas, who said the school is discussing constructing a field house in the near future. "Anytime a new student or incoming freshman comes in, as an athlete, they can't help but be impressed."

Harrell said he has challenged the seniors on the football team to raise money for a third weight platform, which costs roughly $4,200. He said a parent of one of the players has agreed to match the cost if they attain it to pay for a fourth platform.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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