Different extracurricular groups have been gearing up over the summer to dominate the competition in the upcoming school year. The volleyball and football teams have started workouts, and the band has been practicing for the past few weeks for the approaching season.

“We are looking to the future– we see what’s behind us in that rear view mirror, but we don’t want to focus on it,” football coach Matt Cochran said. “We are all about what’s about to happen in the coming weeks; it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The football team has been attending early morning practices, going to the weight room, participating in film observation, and other elements that are critical for the upcoming season. The team’s motto for this football season is to “Look Forward” and focus on what’s ahead.

“I have really good hopes for this new season,” freshman Edgar Cruz said. “I’m really excited. I can’t wait to play with these high schoolers we’ve never met before and just create a big bond with them.”

The band has also been working in order towards their goal of winning another state military marching championship. 

“I am looking forward to getting the year started and getting back to normal,” head band director Steven Moore said. “Seeing everyone again, having fun in band, making music, and working to be the best we can be.”

The whole band has been working for the past month to get ready for  marching season. They have been drilling marching fundamentals and practicing their music to prepare for their competition in November.

“Band is definitely one of my favorite parts of school,” senior Liv Simmons said. “This year is my last year, so I wanted to give back to the program that gave me so much.”

The volleyball team has participated in many scrimmages, practices, and workouts this summer. This past week they practiced everyday in addition to the hours spent practicing in the open gym.

“The girls have come out and they have practiced so well and worked their butts off,” head volleyball coach Jessica Dimmsdle said. “I’m very excited about [this season] and just how hard they are working and coming together as a team.”

    The theme for this year’s volleyball season is T.E.A.M. It stands for trusting each other, encouraging each other, keeping others accountable, and motivating each other. The goal of this is to help players remember to play as a team and not as individuals.

“It’s a lot of work, but once we get to the game, it’s really rewarding,” freshman Aubry Travis said. “All of the hard work really pays off in the end.”