Jan. 24, 2008
By Lindsay Jacki with Chris Macaluso WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Don't expect to see many T.G.I.F's exchanged between the Boilermakers on their Facebook walls this winter. Fridays signal the start of the weekend. It's a time for students to rest, relax and recover. Well ... except for those on the women's soccer team. Fitness Friday sounds like an effortless exercise session, but head coach Rob Klatte knows there's nothing easy about running upwards of a thousand yards first thing in the morning. This Friday's target is set for 2,400 yards. Players will reach this plateau through an anaerobic workout that alternates full-fledged sprints and recovery runs. It's not fun. But don't confuse Klatte with the likes of Bobby Knight. Klatte is a generous mentor who is always willing to reduce yardage when it's earned. "Their yardage depends on weekly performances," said Klatte. "We provide them a starting yardage, which they can reduce by winning practice matches and passing their position-oriented technical skill challenges." Redshirt freshman Lauren Varnau has been a big winner this week. Her 4-0 record through Tuesday's practice has so far earned her a reduction of 800 yards. Soccer demands physically fit players and exposes those who are not prepared for 90 minutes of hostility. Midfielders Shauna Stapleton and Jordyn Shaffer continuously rumbled over the opposition at the Big Ten Tournament, and as a result, were selected as its offensive and defensive most valuable players.
The Boilermakers didn't win 20 games in 2007 because they scored more goals or made more saves (although it didn't hurt). They won because they were the more physically fit side every time they took the pitch.
Getting players into shape, while arduous, is simple when compared to the mentally demanding drills that take place within a 12-minute span each Wednesday. Prior to the student-athlete's 30-minute individual session, Klatte presents a set of challenges designed to increase comfort with the ball. Long serving, bending shots, 14-point and wall juggling, settling flighted balls and passing accuracy are among the coaching staff's conglomeration of tests. Players are required to complete the challenges with the insides and outsides of both feet. Again, it's not fun. But neither is turning the ball over at midfield and seeing the opposition score as a result. If the risk of being outplayed by a future rival isn't enough motivation, Klatte reduces Friday yardage standards for those individuals who rank among the best technical players. Once the challenges are finished, and the results are tallied, Klatte ranks the players from 1 to 12 with a few hundred yards worth of reductions separating each place. Klatte believes the prize of a lighter fitness regimen has encouraged individuals to spend more time on their own with the ball. Recently elected team captain Jessica Okoroafo has noticed positive change within two full weeks of practice. "The practices started off slow, but I feel we have really started to pick it up in the past week," said the former Big Ten Freshman of the Year. "We need to keep playing well as a team and be more aggressive. I really feel like we're improving." Okoroafo is expected to pace the offensive attack in 2008, and as one of the team's few seniors, she'll be one of the most recognizable Boilermakers. She scored nine goals last year, all of which came against the Big Ten. A threat to be double or triple-teamed by opposing defenders, she knows her technical skills will have to be at their paramount this coming fall. But she also knows there's plenty of time to improve. "I've been doing okay in the technical challenges," said Okoroafo. "I've never been a real technical player. I rely more on my speed. I feel I'm doing pretty well, but I'm in the middle of the pack right now." Okoroafo's favorite challenge has been the juggling. However, she hasn't had as much fun bending the ball into the net from the end line. This past week of practice brought with it a few more injuries, mostly rolled and sprained ankles. The team understands that injury prevention is an endless challenge that will continually be faced as the work load increases. Game play during practices has remained intense despite the wounds. Last week, the team engaged in a six-on-six battle (including goalkeepers) that was among the most aggressive of the spring. "The team said it was really competitive and demanding despite the injuries, which is exactly what we're looking for," said Klatte of last Thursday's practice. "With injuries it's a double-edged sword because they have to find a way to come back and compete. We let them recover and then put them back in the mix at full speed. It's a bad mental approach if we go too easy on them." Purdue's desired results are far from being attained, but the spring plan that's in place will result in numerous successes if there's a complete commitment from everyone on the roster. By getting fit, getting healthy and getting comfortable with the ball, the team's attitude towards Fridays should certainly change. The day currently means there's hard work ahead, but it will pay off in Friday victories this fall.
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