GETTING A LIFT

They no longer have a weight problem at Village Christian High.

The Crusaders, whose weight room in past seasons consisted of a Universal machine and a few free weights, have one of the region’s best weight-training facilities.

“There’s definitely not another school our size that has a weight room like this,” Coach Mike Plaisance said.

The 1,440-square-foot building boasts 27 stations with more than 3,000 pounds of free weights, painted red and gold, the school’s colors. It features air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting and $10,000 worth of mirrors.

Plaisance credits second-year Athletic Director Marty Martin for the new digs.

“He asked me last year that if I could have one thing, what would it be?” Plaisance said. “I said a weight room. Look what we have now.”

Martin and the administration used creative means to answer Plaisance’s request.

They used the proceeds from a golf marathon to purchase a double-wide trailer. Price tag: $25,000.

They acquired most of their weights from a Montrose gym that was facing foreclosure. Price: $1,700.

The benches were professionally reupholstered by a parent of a student. Price: Free.

The mirrors came from another parent. Price: Free.

The Crusaders (2-4) are hoping their investment in the weight room will help lift them to their first Alpha League victory over L.A. Baptist (4-2) since 1994.

The rival Christian schools meet in the annual “Bible Bowl” game Friday at Alemany High.