Former PHCC pitchers armed for a move up
By RICHARD BURTON
Published August 4, 2005

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/08/04/Hernando/Former_PHCC_pitchers_.shtml




BROOKSVILLE - Following their careers at Pasco-Hernando Community College, former Central High standouts Josh Smith and Randy Cseh wanted to be ready when they stepped up to the next level.


To do so, the pitchers sought out Rob Oppedisano, owner of Hudson's Oppedisano Performance Training. The 2003 Central grads got quite an experience in strength and conditioning.


"He really worked with us on things like better arm strength and arm speed," said Smith, who signed to play with Warner Southern. "I used a lot of smaller muscles that I hadn't used before, and I got a lot stronger.


"Working with him did wonders for Randy and myself, and we will be better players for it," Smith said.


Cseh, who signed with NCAA Division II national champion Florida Southern, teamed with Smith to give PHCC an imposing rotation.


In earning second-team All-Suncoast Conference recognition, Cseh posted a 5-3 record and 2.71 ERA and Smith a 5-6 mark and 76 strikeouts in a team-high 92 innings.


But after finishing their seasons at Pasco-Hernando, where they didn't have a pitching coach, Smith and Cseh wanted something more.


"We pretty much kind of coach ourselves," Smith said. "We really used what we had learned from high school and other coaches that we had in the past."


Enter Oppedisano, who worked with the players three times per week for eight weeks and focused on building strength and balance. Equipment such as resistance bands and a mini-trampoline were used as part of the process.


At the start of the program, the players were put through a leg circuit comprised of four exercises that required 10 reps each, with a 30-second break between sets and a rest period of 1 minute between exercises.


By the time the program neared the end, Smith and Cseh were able to complete the four exercises and did 20 reps per set without a break.


"We worked strength throughout, but we also focused on balance with them because it is so important in what they do as pitchers," Oppedisano said.


Smith and Cseh were able to advance after moving up in exercise intensity the first three weeks and before tapering off for one week then building back up again.


The pitchers will look to use the knowledge with their new teams.


"I was told I was a conference starter (top three in rotation), and who knows where I can go from there," Smith said.


"Any role I have is important, even if it is coming out of the bullpen, so I am looking forward to the opportunity."


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