Freshmen Fiacable and Sales Jr. Lived in the Weight Room While Transitioning to College Game

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Written by: Zach Greene (@zgreene650)

Incoming Freshmen Vinny Fiacable and Joshua Sales Jr. came to Bloomington mentally prepared at how hard the transition to the college game is. They knew that they had to get stronger, faster, and more agile. Thus, they both decided to live in the weight room. 

“I've gotten stronger everywhere, especially with my back strength. I'm really trained back. And overall, I’m, stronger for sure,” uttered Fiacable, who made considerable advances to his game.

Just like Fiacable, Offensive Lineman Joshua Sales Jr. also made advances in his strength. 

“I've definitely added a lot of strength overall. My lower body has increased everywhere. They did a good job of helping me increase my overall strength. My lower body fat, my body composition, and everything to get me faster and stronger.” Sales Jr. stated. 

Both linemen are local kids and transitioned to Indiana after solid high school careers. Fiacable a three-star from Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Sales Jr. is also a three-star out of Brownsburg High School in Indiana. 

Fiacable decided to attend the rising program over offers from Cincinnati and Ball State as he wishes to continue building his family legacy after his dad and brothers played in the program. 

“I'd say like the first month, or so I still cannot believe that I was really here. It was just like this is a real surreal moment. Especially when we first put the pads on and on the first-day spring ball, I’m really doing this and just kind of crazy to me. But yeah, just from a family aspect. Like, I've been coming to IU games all my life since I was a little kid, and just watching them play in Washington progressing you better just means a lot to me. And now that I'm part of the team, I can help progress and get help the team get better. It just means a lot, and it's really exciting.”

Family (LEO) was also a deciding factor for Sales Jr. to attend the program, and guys like Caleb Jones, Matthew Bedford, and Kahlil Benson have taken him under his wing.

“Benson, Bedford, and Caleb, all three of them took me under their wing. I think like the first week I was here, Bedford had me over at his place. And we were just talking about football. We watched his film; those guys really helped me make the adjustment.”

What Tom Allen preaches not only lives in the coaches but also the players. While the coaches get most of the attention, the players on this program are also a family. Being able to hang out outside of the football field might take this team over the top when adversity hits.