Varsity football coaches went on to greet 325 players on opening day

Varsity football coaches went on to greet 325 players on opening day

Varsity football coaches went on to greet 325 players on opening day: Familiar sounds filled Lawrence County on the 15th of August 2022.

Coaches shouted instructions. Whistles worked overtime. And shoulder pads went popping along with helmets clashing with other helmets.

The first day of high school football practice officially commenced for the eight Lawrence County high school football programs in the area.

A total of 325 players were present to report to the opening day of football practice for the county schools. Last year, 279 turned up. 305 players took to the field in 2020. 291 players turned up in 2019.

A total of 323 players came to participate on opening day in 2018. That number was down by seven players from the 330 that took part in the season-opening practice in 2017. In 2016, a total of 304 players came out. 336 players suited up in 2015. 326 players appeared in 2014.

Seven out of the eight schools saw their player numbers increase from last season. Wilmington is the only school that saw a decrease, going down from 36 down to 34 players.

Coaches welcomed the participants on the opening day of practice to conditions favorable to the student-athletes. Temperatures sustained in the 70s, with little to no sun. There was no precipitation through the afternoon session.

“You would like it to be a little bit hotter,” Stacy Robinson said. “You cannot complain about the weather, just come out and get it done and just concentrate on getting better.”

Robinson used to coach at his alma mater Union the previous 25 seasons. He was taken over by Kim Niedbala, who was hired in April.
“It was actually cool. I kind of like it hot,” Niedbala said. “The good part is we had it hot all summer long. I think we are moving right along as far as the conditioning aspect goes.”