From Strength to Strength

As a Performance Coach at Spearfish High School, Eric Santure, CSCS, offers strength and conditioning training to every athletic program in the school, including dance, cheer, football, basketball and track. So, it’s not atypical for student-athletes to approach him and announce their intention to play college sports. What is rare, though, is for freshmen who make such a proclamation to then spend the next three years diligently following through.

Football player Hunter Walters, now a senior, did just that. And he is very close to reaching the collegiate ranks.

“Offseason training or preseason training is entirely optional. And, across four years, Hunter has an attendance rate of over 94% which is the highest of anybody in the school. It’s absolutely astounding that he’s been as dedicated to the program as he has,” says Eric.

His freshman year, Hunter weighed 135 pounds. He currently weighs around 185. He’s lopped over a second off his 40 yard dash and increased his power clean from a freshman year high of 160 pounds to a current maximum of 305, re-breaking his own school record. All of this Hunter attributes to Eric’s workout design.

“Mr. Santure just came in and just pushed us harder than we’ve ever been pushed. Had harder workouts than we’ve ever had. Had more designed workouts. And I just fell in love with it. Every morning when I wake up, I’m like, ‘I can’t wait to go do this.’ And then when it’s over, I’m like, ‘well, now what do I do?’” says Hunter.

The work has paid dividends on the gridiron. “My freshman year at safety and sophomore year at outside linebacker, I was All-Conference Honorable Mention. And then last year I was All-Conference as a running back,” he says. 

This year, he’ll be all over the field. In addition to playing running back on offense, “I have a couple plays where I’m in at quarterback. I got linebacker inside and outside, playing some defensive back and then returning punts and kicks.” 

Although Hunter already has a few visits lined up at colleges around the region, his goals aren’t just collegiate, nor strictly personal; he and his teammates have their eye on hosting a home playoff game and, beyond that, winning the 11AA class state championship – a growing possibility as the 6-2, Spartans prepare for their final regular season game. 

Eric’s intention is to help Hunter stay focused. “There’s a lot of pressure going into your senior year, and there’s a lot of pressure having multiple offers on the table to go play collegiate football. My goal for him is to just keep being the same Hunter Walters that I’ve had the privilege of coaching the last three years, because that’s what’s gotten him to this point, and that’s what’s going to continue to get him through the season and to the next level,” says Eric.