Summer workouts to get underway Aug. 1
By Sam Waller
The start of fall sports is drawing near with Albany High School starting football and volleyball preseason practices Monday, Aug. 1.
The summer conditioning program for boys wrapped up this week, while the girls have another week to go after taking a two-week break earlier in July.
Prospective athletes for football and volleyball have been sent letters outlining two-a-day practices, as well as forms that must be filled out and signed by both students and parents by the opening day of practices.
Forms required by the school and UIL include acknowledgement of rules and concussion protocol, and steroid restrictions and testing form.
In addition, all students must have physical exam documentation completed and returned with the other forms.
Students had the opportunity to have free physical exams conducted at school in May. Anyone who did not undergo an exam must obtain one from their doctor or a local clinic. The clinics require an appointment and a fee will be charged.
Appointments for physicals may be made at Shackelford County Health Clinic at 325-762-3661 or ResourceCare at 325-762-2447. Students must take a copy of the required form with them to the appointment.
Any prospective athlete who has not received paperwork may obtain the necessary forms by contacting head football coach Denney Faith or head volleyball coach M.J. Reneau through the school.
While the boys conditioning program concluded Thursday, July 21, the girls program will have four more sessions – 9:00-10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25, through Thursday, July 28.
“This week is usually a slow week,” Reneau said. “We tend to not have as many because a lot of girls are gone to church camp.”
The final sport-specific session for volleyball was held July 21 (today).
The Lady Lions will take part in a three-day camp with coaches from Hardin-Simmons University from Monday, July 25, through Wednesday, July 27.
“We expect a great turnout for that,” Reneau said. “After our volleyball camp, we’ll have one more strength and conditioning session on Thursday (July 28), then I won’t see them again until Monday (Aug. 1).”
