After a 2-14 season, the 49ers have a few mountains to climb before they can return to respectability.
With that in mind, perhaps their new piece of a training equipment is fitting: The team has installed a massive hill adjacent to their weight room that is at least 30 feet tall, measures 19 feet wide and has a 30-degree incline.
Running back Tim Hightower said he’s eager to test himself by running up the 60-foot ramp.
“I’m looking forward to conquering that thing,” Hightower said. “That’s a good visual when you walk in. When you come to work and you walk through that gate and you see that hill … it will change you real quick. I’m glad they put that up.”
Hightower figures to have more success than CEO Jed York, who twice raced 49ers.com writer Joe Fann up the hill during practice Friday and had a pair of runner-up finishes.
Hightower has an impressive grasp of NFL history. He noted a trio of NFL legends that incorporated hills into their training.
“I’m a Walter Payton fan,” Hightower said. “I’m a Jerry Rice fan. LaDainian Tomlinson. They all had hills. I need one, too.”
The 49ers’ skill-position players are scheduled to get introduced to the hill Saturday. And it’s safe to say not everyone shares Hightower’s enthusiasm.
“I haven’t had the chance to test that out yet, but I’m sure I will tomorrow morning,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “Reviews weren’t so positive in the locker room … I’m not looking forward to it.”
Twitter: @Eric_Branch
About the Author: Insidethe49
