SJ Sports: Practice Begins

So much for a summer vacation. Many high school athletes who participate in fall sports are already getting back to work. While their friends may enjoy an extra few weeks at the beach, it’s back to business for area athletes. Some schools begin practice as early as Aug. 16. Many others will begin on Monday, Aug. 19. The latest that teams will report is Aug. 26.

Last year the season opened earlier, during the first weekend of September. This year the regular season for most sports begins on Sept. 13. Some football teams don’t open until Sept. 20, but the majority play on the 13th.

The 13th is also when boys’ and girls’ soccer and cross country, along with field hockey and girls’ volleyball begins. Girls’ tennis starts the first week of September. Many athletes have been working out with teammates since school ended in June.

High school rules allow coaches to conduct workouts once school ends. That’s why many high school basketball coaches, also coach their teams in summer leagues. It allows football coaches to run drills for their players. New Wildwood coach Ryan Troiano, ran workouts four days a week beginning at 6 a.m. That was done so early because many of his players had jobs and it was the best time for the team to get together.

It’s rare that teams don’t work out together in the summer. There are also leagues for boys’ and girls’ soccer, football (a 7-on-7 passing league), basketball and many other sports.

The days when athletes used preseason practice to get into shape are long gone. Those who don’t come to camp in optimum shape, will be left behind by their more well conditioned teammates.

As the athletes get ready for the fall, there will be a number of compelling stories. The biggest centers around the field hockey team at Eastern. Can Danyle Heilig’s team go unbeaten for a fourth straight year. The Vikings own a 60-game win streak and a 66-game unbeaten streak. Of course Eastern must replace Lori Hillman, one of the most dominant players in South Jersey history, whose record as a varsity player was 80-2-2. She was a three-time all-American who earned a scholarship to defending NCAA champion Michigan.

Most teams would be crushed to lose a player of Hillman’s caliber, but Eastern has the top of players who could enable the streak to continue. Senior Rachel Dawson had 13 goals last season and is considered by many to be the top player in the state. Teamate Shaun Banta scored a team-high 36 goals and added 23 assists while being named the Offensive Player of the Year by the Field Hockey Club of South Jersey.

There were a number of other talented juniors last season who look to enjoy one final banner season.

Woodrow Wilson defensive end Turk McBride, who recorded 15 quarterback sacks, will try to help the Tigers maintain their excellence. Last year Wilson went 12-0 after going 3-7 the previous year. The Tigers have the experience to remain near or at the top.

Moorestown senior Meghan Hughes was the South Jersey cross country runner of the year last season and after a strong spring track season, she seems intent on competing for the Meet of Champions title. Hughes’ classmate Candice Carlin was South Jersey’s girls’ tennis player of the year and once again both Moorestown and Carlin will be difficult to beat.

Lenape has had South Jersey’s No. 1 ranked girls’ soccer team in each of the past two seasons. Can fourth-year starting midfielder Jamie Weist lead the Indians to a third straight No. 1 crown?

Weist and Vineland goalie Jill Loyden appear to be the top senior prospects in South Jersey.

Can Shawnee’s boys’ soccer team continue its dominance? Last year the Renegades won their fifth Group 4 state title, extending their record to 5-0 in title games.

Coach Brian Gibney’s team was hit hard by graduation, but Shawnee annually has underclassmen ready to take their turn. This year, led by junior midfielder Stephen King, Shawnee should again vie for the No. 1 spot in South Jersey.

There will be surprising athletes and teams that emerge in all sports and everything begins within a week when summer ends and practice begins for most teams.

For more Local Sports features, visit our Sports page.

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Author: Marc Narducci