HISD Coach Austin Obeng from Black Middle School has gone above and beyond during school closures to ensure his students are maintaining a healthy workout routine.
Obeng, an employee at Black Middle School, where he coaches football, basketball, track and strength and conditioning, as well as swim at Waltrip High School, has taken it upon himself to provide his students with daily workout routines even while schools are closed.
“I received a message from a parent saying their son was feeling down about his track season being cut short,” Obeng said. “So I decided to send him daily workouts to keep busy. I thought, if I can send it to one student, I can send it to all, and that is how this whole thing got started.”
At first Obeng did not know if creating the workouts was worth it, but by the end of the first week feedback was pouring in from parents and students who loved receiving the tips for keeping active. He sends the workouts via the app Remind, which allows student to respond with any questions.
Black Middle School has the largest student athletic program in all of HISD, so Obeng knew there were a lot of students to serve that would be interested in this effort.
The workouts consist of a variety of things to get the students up and moving. The moves range from sprints to endurance running, line drills, foot work movements, push ups, sit ups and much more.
“All of the positive feedback motivated me to keep creating these workouts,” Obeng said. “I felt it was important to keep my kids I shape, and this was something the whole family, neighbors and friends could join in on. This gives them a release as well as some structure with something to look forward to every day.”
