Day 1

August 11 - HOT! The heat was a force to be reckoned with. The coaches were very aware of how this and how it influences player performance, motivation and expectations. The players did a great job despite the conditions. I would also like to mention that our trainers did a great job keeping us hydrated.

9:00 am - Players and coaches met in the Field House. Those players who turned in their physical and parent permission forms on time were allowed to participate. For those players who were not, they were informed what they were missing thanks to our Athletic Department staff (thanks Carol et al!).

9:30 am - Players split up into age groups and began preseason training.
-The Freshmen and Sophomores had one long practice that ended around 12:30.
-The Varsity players took a fitness test (yoyo intermittent recovery test), took a break and then met up for a second session in the afternoon. They took a jog on Clarendon Hills road to 67th street and back, completed a variety of square sprints and finished with 150s. Some of the players were shocked to hear that this was a "light" day.

I was impressed by some Varsity players' physical condition and concerned about others. Considering the length of our season, we can't spend a lot of time getting into shape. So, it's crucial and expected that our players come to the first day in the best shape possible. One player told me at the end of our second session, "I'm glad I did some running before today because I would have been in trouble." Well said Warturtle.

Two golden expectations: BE ON TIME & WORK HARD