After a three-month hiatus, athletics have returned to Milam county. RHS and THS both started their workouts on Monday.
In Rockdale workouts had 112 kids show up on Monday. This is highest number of kids they’ve had in six years and bested the next second highest total by 30.
“The excitement level was high,” Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey said. “The kids were hyped and ready to go. It kind of felt like game day out there.”
The day began with strength and conditioning for both the boys and girls. Some of the workouts included lunges, push-ups and multiple core workouts. They also incorporated weight training as each person was given a weightlifting plate to perform various exercises to build strength.
After, the football players went to the stadium to work on position drills, while basketball players worked on interior post play, shooting, ball handling and spot up three-pointer drills. Students who didn’t play either sport were free to go home.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UIL has enforced strict rules to protect athletes from infection. The RHS coaching staff showed that they are taking these precautions very seriously.
“We don’t let any of the kids in until they complete their online screenings,” Campsey said. “This makes sure they don’t have any symptoms or live around anybody with symptoms.”
Coaches also took precautions by checking everyone’s temperature when they walked in the gate. There was hand sanitizer at every entrance, each ball was sanitized and social distancing was maintained.
Campsey said he was impressed at the students will to fight and hopes they stick with the training for the long haul.
“The effort was there,” Campsey said. “Even though they were tired from not doing anything for nearly three months they pushed themselves. A lot of kids leave after the first week, so we just have to stress how important it is for all of them to come out and participate.”
Kesean Raven, a senior wide receiver, said it was a pleasure to be back on the field and how he has big hopes for the football team this upcoming season.
“It feels great to be back out here and I am excited,” Raven said. “We’re going to have to push each other and work as hard as we can if we want to win the close games and reach our goals as a team.”
THORNDALE—Eighty athletes showed up for the workouts in Thorndale. Both students and coaches brought high energy to the field and seemed fired up.
Workouts started inside the building with weight training. Next, the kids performed biometrics and body weight exercises.
“I was impressed with the workouts.” Athletic Director and Head Football Coach John Kovar said. “The kids looked like they had been doing some workouts on their own before camp.”
Kovar explain how they abide by the UIL rules to protect the kids from COVID-19.
“We have closed down parts of the weight room,” Kovar said. “We also made sure everything was sanitized.”
He said he wants the kids to enjoy the small school atmosphere and is looking forward to his first season as head football coach.
“I want participation to rise in every sport and kids to be involved in multiple sports here at Thorndale,” Kovar said. “I am looking forward to working with the kids and teaching the football team a new offense.”
Thorndale Quarterback Cayden Nicholson said he is glad to be back and ready to go battle with his teammates.
“I’m glad to be back,” Nicholson said. “It’s great to see all the guys and build a bond as a team. We’re excited for this season and I believe we can really make some noise.”
MILANO—The Eagles began their workouts on Tuesday afternoon with a total of 29 kids. They are limiting participation to incoming high school students at the time.
For workouts, the Eagles worked a circuit/station style set up in order to maintain proper distancing. They also did small workouts of conditioning afterwards.
“Many of the kids have not done much physical activity since March,” Athletic Director Wendy King said. “So, we want to start slow and build some strength and endurance.”
Senior wide receiver Alijah Demeritt said he was impressed with the team’s first day of workouts and wants his play to translate into wins this season.
“The first day of workouts was a success and a lot of our players look good,” Demeritt said. “Last season, I had good individual stats, but this season I want to play well while winning. We’re all locked in this year and we’re ready to put Milano on the map.”
If the athletic year begins as originally scheduled, all schools will be permitted to start fall football practice on Aug. 3, according to UIL officials.
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