WAKEFIELD — Before most of the town is even awake, a group of girls will be hitting the gym at Wakefield School. At 6:30 every Wednesday morning this summer, they’ll begin an hour of workouts as part of a new effort led by Coach B (Barbara Bergmeier) — a program called Altitude Athletes.
The idea started with a simple goal: give young women a space to grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
“We are strong. We are determined. We are capable. We will do hard things!” Coach B said. “Our focus will be on progress over perfection, and becoming the best version of ourselves each and every single day. It’s time to GRIND!”
The program is open to all female junior high and high school students — even 2025 graduates — and staff. Girls who live in Wakefield but attend other schools are also welcome to join.
The weekly session, known as Bombshell Bootcamp, includes a warm-up, strength and conditioning workouts, a game, and a cool down. There’s also a short ab workout and optional open gym time afterward for anyone wanting to work on cheer or volleyball skills.
“Because we are the Bombers, it is just a play on words, with the goal of becoming better versions of ourselves each day,” said Bergmeier. “Each week we will be completing a different style of workout, from AMRAPs, Tabata, to varying interval trainings.”
The first session is set for next Wednesday. Coach B is encouraging anyone interested to sign up by Tuesday morning (June 10th) through the SportsYou app so they can receive all the materials on the first day. Still, students are welcome to join later in the summer too.
There’s no cost to participate, and no experience is required. “Absolutely,” Bergmeier said when asked if beginners are welcome. “This is meant to support the female population at Wakefield. It also offers an opportunity for the girls who don’t enjoy the sports that we offer a chance to still be active and become a part of something.”
Everything in the program is optional. “I am highly encouraging my cheerleaders to attend, when they do not have a prior commitment,” she added, “but we want people who want to be there.”
Participants are encouraged to wear workout clothes and gym shoes, and to bring a water bottle, braces if needed, and a towel. Most importantly, Coach B says, they should bring “their grit and determination.”
Support and goal-setting are also part of the experience. “I hope to make some folders that will house some tracking documents. Our first session, we will take measurements, and set goals,” Bergmeier said. “On the app I will post different questions or challenges where everyone can talk about their progress, their struggles, their gains, show pictures, ask for help, etc.”
The group will be led entirely by Wakefield staff and coaches. Volleyball-specific training will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays by the high school volleyball coach. The football program will also hold skill sessions separately.
While parents won’t have access to the SportsYou app, Bergmeier said that’s intentional. “I’d like to keep this limited to staff and students to help foster a sense of responsibility and ownership,” she explained. “More importantly, I want to create a space where everyone feels safe to express themselves. When parents are involved, students sometimes hold back.”
She emphasized that this program is about more than just exercise. It’s about connection. “The goal is to work hard because it builds character and purpose. We don’t need recognition to give our best—doing so is a reward in itself.”
Girls who want to participate — including those who live in Wakefield but attend another school — can contact Coach B by email at barbarabergmeier@usd379.org or leave a message at 785-461-5437.
“Girls,” she said in closing, “no more excuses.”
