Football Practice Has Begun

Camp is over; the season has officially started.  Those athletes who chose to participate in every day of the junior high camp will continue to be several practices ahead of those who did not.  My hope is that the rest of their teammates will show the focus and intensity it takes to catch up soon!  At this point, all athletes should have the necessary school-issued equipment:  helmet, shoulder, hip, thigh, butt, and knee pads; a belt, a practice jersey, football pants, and a mouthpiece.  His game jersey will be issued on Friday, September 5, so that he can wear it to school on Monday, September 8, for the first game.  On regular school days, practices will generally end by 5:00.  The schedule to the right will be updated weekly in following newsletters.  Your son will know at least one day in advance of any earlier or later times for finishing practice.

A.M. Conditioning

Two mornings per week, I will have workouts to help condition and develop strength, stability, and endurance of the core muscle groups.  I think Wednesdays and Fridays will be the days we do it this season.  These workouts are optional and do not directly affect playing time.  In past years we have had nearly 100% participation most days.  For those taking part in AM conditioning, the conditioning at the conclusion of practice is eliminated.

Picture Day

School and athletic pictures will be held Friday, September 5.  Your son will be given an envelope explaining of the packages they offer as we get closer to that date.  Purchase is OPTIONAL, but everyone will be in the team picture.  As in the past, the Stanton Booster Club will be providing 2 buttons for each athlete.  If you would like any additional buttons, then you would indicate this on your picture ordering form.

The Future

Please ask your son for a newsletter each Friday prior to the next game.  For example, your son will be handed the second newsletter on Friday, September 5. I will also be posting these newsletters online each Friday in case your newsletter does not make it home J. 

Calendar of Events (subject to change)

Aug. 20                  Wed               Practice ends @ 3:30

Aug. 21                  Th                   Practice ends @ 5:00

Aug. 22                  Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Aug. 25-28             Mon-Th         Practices end @ 5:00

Aug. 29                  Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Sept 1                     Labor Day     NO PRACTICE (maybe)

Sept 2-5                  Tue-Fri           Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 8                     Mon.               Game 1 vs E. Mills @ 4:00

Sept. 9-11               Tue-Th           Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 12                   Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Sept 15                  Mon                Game 2 at Farragut @ 4:00

Sept 16-19              Tue-Fri           Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 22                  Mon                Game 3 vs Villisca @ 4:00

Sept 23-25              Tue-Th           Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 26                   HOMECOMING FRIDAY (TBA)

Sept 29                  Mon.               Game 4 at S. Page @ 4:00

Sept 30-Oct 3        Tue-Fri           Practices end @ 5:00

Oct. 6                     Mon                Game 5 vs Essex @ 4:00

Oct. 7                      Tue                 Clean equipment at home

Oct. 8                      Wed               Turn in equipment

Practice times subject to change.  Changes will be listed on upcoming newsletters as well as informing your son numerous times.

Publicity/Team Information

Depending on how much help I have on the sidelines, I will continue to have some or all of the following information available on the school’s website within 2 days after each game: scoring summaries, statistics, pictures, comments, and BIG Schstick! Award winners.  To view information from past junior high teams, go to the junior high football homepage at the following address: http://stantonschools.com/sports/Football/jhfootball/jrhighfootball.htm.  Our school’s website is best viewed using Internet Explorer.

IF YOU HAVE ANY RESERVATIONS ABOUT YOUR SON BEING PICTURED OR LISTED ON THE WEBSITE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW:  829-2162, or EMAIL ME AT jgrebin@stantonschools.com

Lastly, like last year, the scores will be reported to both the Villisca Review and the Red Oak Express.

Our school’s website is best viewed using Internet Explorer.