Dougherty’s new room
is worth its weight

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

When Chris Riley took over as football coach at Cardinal Dougherty High School, he wanted to give his team a chance to win. To do that, he had to give them a place to improve.
So during his first year on Second Street, Riley initiated a project in hopes of creating a new weight room for the Cardinals.
"The old weight room was extremely small," said Riley. "There was no ventilation or proper lighting. I knew it needed a change. So we proposed the idea to administration, waited for the OK, and then we just ran with it."
Within four months, the improved workout facilities were equipped with 19 universal machines, 10 free weight benches and adorned the signature Cardinal colors, Garnet and Gold.
Companies such as NovaCare, Home Depot and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Department’s Blue Flames, donated time, effort and materials to make the Cardinals’ hopes a reality.
Ernest Bock and Sons vice president Thomas Bock — a Dougherty grad and former defensive line coach for the Cardinals — also donated his expertise for the project.
"We would have never been able to do it without Tom Bock," said Riley. "He were a tremendous help."
Along with the various professionals, more than a dozen students were on site as well.
"The kids at Dougherty are fantastic that way," said Riley. "They are always willing to give support. They’ll come in on the weekends and nights and stay extra time to help as much as needed. They really helped out with painting and especially moving all the new weights. They’re building teamwork and making a difference for future kids at the same time."
The room now has 29 total different workout areas in full operation. It is also supplied with improved lighting and proper ventilation.
"There is more air, more room, more machines — it’s a huge improvement," said wide receiver John Wynder.
In the short time since its completion, the weight room has already become much more than a place to exercise. It has become a common ground for students to build camaraderie and school spirit.
"I think we’ve always had teamwork here," said Riley. "The students take a lot of pride in their school. This is a safe place for them to be, and they like to hang out here. The school has a beautiful auditorium, clean hallways, a nice gym. And now, the weight room complements everything. It’s a complete school now."
And with football season rapidly approaching, the newest addition to Cardinal Dougherty is getting plenty of use. Last year, an average of 15 to 20 students used the weight room daily. Now, 35 to 50 people can use the facility comfortably.
"Now there’s more equipment and more space," said Cardinals’ linebacker Quinten White. "I’ve already gotten stronger from coming in here every day."
"There are a lot more weights to use now," added team captain Keith Dockery. "So we have more opportunities to train and get more people in here."
And as the weight increased, so did the team’s win total.
Prior to last year, Dougherty complied a 1-29 record over its past 30 games. Last year, Dougherty won three games and was very competitive in Catholic League Blue Division play.
"I already can see improvement with the team — especially with the seniors," said Riley. "That’s who our team is built around, and they’re benching almost 300 pounds now.
"Before, it was so uncomfortable in there, so the kids would just get done what they needed to get done and get out," he continued. "Sometimes they would even cut a few things out to leave sooner. But now they’re staying extra time to work out more. It’s really building their strength."
Last season the Cardinals went 1-6, winning their first game in the Catholic League since Oct. 12, 2001. But this year, with the new weight room and a new attitude, the Cardinals are ready to win a few more games and possibly compete for a playoff spot.
"We have the team to do it. We have the talent to do it. And now, we have the equipment to do it," said Cardinals’ offensive coordinator Joe Toner. "This is going to be their year." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com