Forty faces, dripping with sweat, toe the line for the first time of the day. Anxiously awaiting the whistle, we stand poised with energy, ready to take off. No, this is not FHC Cross Country or track. This is Rangerball conditioning, the grueling, often-hated preseason activity that I have a true love-hate relationship with.

Rangerball conditioning has achieved a sort of mythical reputation in the FHC basketball program, as a hyped-up activity that makes a dentist appointment look like a desirable alternative. Of course, running line drills for an hour with no food in your stomach is not enjoyable, and we all hit a point during the hour when we want to give up, but Rangerball conditioning truly is one of the reasons why the boys basketball program here has been so successful over the past few years.

No other team does what we do, and while that group of freshmen that is on the verge of tears may be scared out of their wits, it will make them better when February rolls around. It really is an interesting situation, when something so simple can have devastatingly terrifying effects, as well as incredibly positive ones.

Freshman year, Rangerball conditioning was one of the most intimidating things ever, because I knew that the varsity guys were going to be there making everyone else look slow. As the years have gone on, it has morphed into a nostalgic pastime that I can use to look back on my younger years, and remember 5 foot 5 freshman Jordan anxiously entering the gym.

Now, I am one of those seniors, and a captain. My job is to lead the program and provide an example. This is definitely pressure, but a type of pressure that is entirely different than the fear-induced pressure that I felt three years ago. Those nervous freshmen will be there for their first day of Rangerball conditioning today, and I will know how they feel. Their first instinct will be to turn right around and walk right of the gym, just like we all have felt at some point.

Before they know it, those freshmen will be me, eighteen years old and knowing that this is my last ever year of FHC basketball. While this time may be rough for them, I can only hope that they grow to appreciate Rangerball conditioning as I do, as something that brings us closer together, makes us stronger, and gives us something to remember.