Football Practice Has Begun

The season has officially started.  Our first opponent (East Mills) has had 2 more days of camp and 4 more days of practice than we have had.  We will need to show focus and intensity to try to catch up soon!  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 Thursday, August 27, so that he can wear it for our team picture. 

On regular school days, practices will generally end by 5:00.  The schedule to the right will be updated 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

We are in a similar situation as last year with very few bodies.  Athletes will need to be in great physical condition and be mentally tough.  To develop that type of tenacity, we will work out two mornings per week. These sessions condition and develop strength, stability, and endurance of the core muscle groups.  We will NOT be using the weight room.  This season, we will go on Wednesday and Friday mornings @ 7:10.  These workouts are optional and do not directly affect playing time.  Athletes have enjoyed the results they see in themselves from these workouts.  In past years, we have had nearly 100% participation most days.  For those taking part in AM program, the conditioning at the conclusion of practice is eliminated.

Athletic Picture Day

Athletic pictures will be held THIS Thursday, August 27.  Your son has been given an envelope explaining the packages offered.  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 11. I will also be posting these newsletters online in case your newsletter does not make it home J. 

Calendar of Events (subject to change)

Aug. 24                  Mon               Practice ends @ 3:00

Aug. 25-27             Tue-Th           Practice ends @ 5:00

Aug. 28                  Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Aug. 31-Sept 4      Mon-Fri         Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 7                     Labor Day     NO PRACTICE (maybe)

Sept 8                     Tue—No School—Practice 3:30-5:00

Sept 9-10                Wed-Th         Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 11                   Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Sept 14                  Mon.               Game 1 at E. Mills @ 4:00

Sept. 15-17             Tue-Th           Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 18           Homecoming Fri     Practice approx 2:00-4:00

Sept 21          Mon        Game 2 vs Farragut/Sidney @ 4:00

Sept 22-24              Tue-Th           Practices end @ 5:00

Sept 25                   Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Sept 28                  Mon                Game 3 at Villisca @ 4:00

Sept 29-Oct 2        Tue-Fri           Practices end @ 5:00

Oct 5                      Mon.               Game 4 vs S. Page @ 4:00

Oct 6-8                   Tue-Th           Practices end @ 5:00

Oct 9                       Fri                   Practice ends @ 4:00

Oct. 12                   Mon                Game 5 @ Essex @ 4:00

Oct. 13-14              Tue-Wed       Clean equipment at home

Oct. 15                    Th                   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, game information and scores will be reported to both the Villisca Review and the Red Oak Express.