By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorThe start of fall practices not only symbolizes a new season for Wright City and Warrenton athletics, but also gives birth to strong expectations amongst coaches at each school.While many have trained and worked countless hours this summer in preparing for their fall seasons together, practices have shifted to final preparation mode as time continues to dwindle down before the action begins.“Basically the start of fall practice is all about reorganizing yourself and getting back into the swing of things,” Warrenton football Head Coach Steve McDowell said. “When you are three weeks away from your first ball game, that focus is now spent to get your mind set for game No. 1.”For Wright City’s football program, a brand new mastermind looks to impose his strengths behind the playbook this season. One who looks to put up large numbers on the scoreboard with some of the most athletic talent the Wildcats have had in the past couple of seasons.“This is the most exciting time of my football career to be about to start my first season ever as a head coach,” Wright City football Head Coach Jeff Sargent said. “We have a very athletic team this year and our offense looks to be very explosive. We put a lot of focus on our offense this summer and expect to be producing exciting results out on the field.”Another brand new head coach will look to pick up and build to a winning volleyball program at Warrenton.Kristen McDowell may be one of the youngest coaches around town, but her experience around the sport and success in it brings a young and knowledgeable mind to the court. The recent Webster University graduate, who started in all four seasons on the varsity volleyball team, looks to bring an aggressive mindset to a team returning lots of talent.“I really hope to run a fast offense since we have the athletes to do it,” McDowell said. “I want our team to be known as a consistent serve and receive team with a lot of quick hitters. We have a lot of strong returning seniors and they have the potential to do that. We expect some younger girls to help us out as well.”The volleyball program at Wright City under second-year Head Coach James Baker expects another strong season, especially after an 11-8 record in 2014 and returning All-EMO players Sam Benson and Sydney Horniker.The Wildcats softball program expects the start of fall practices to be a learning curve for many newcomers under Head Coach Fred Ross.“The start of practice in the fall is supposed to be fun, but I want them to work hard, hustle and ask questions most importantly,” Ross said. “This is the time to start learning. We have 10 out of 24 girls on the team that are freshman or sophomores. Some of them have played summer league or select, but some are brand new and we want to get them to learn quickly while bonding with everyone on the team.”Junior standout Jenny Jansen is excited about Warrenton’s upcoming season in softball. After winning two straight district championships, she and her teammates are expecting themselves to take things to the next level and compete for a state title.“Our goal is to make it to state this year,” Jansen said. “It’s cool to be looked as a top dog. They expect a lot out of us, but it’s good pressure. Coach (Trevor Hibbs) just wants us to work out here hard every day. He wants the success just as much as we do.”Hustle is expected from all the area athletes and was proved at the end of Warrenton’s first soccer practice that was ended with two full field sprints.“We talked a lot about wanting to have positive energy and we will stress that throughout the year,” Warriors boys soccer Head Coach John Schulte said.“They worked really hard and gave everything they had on the first day of practice, so it was a great way to start preparing for the season. We have a great group of upperclassmen returning.”With summer heat still a factor, both Wright City and Warrenton’s cross country programs have been hitting the trails and tracks for early morning runs.Even a brand new sport has been in action this week as Warrenton began a girls golf program, which they hope will continue to add numbers after school begins.“I watch it, I play it and now I’m coaching it,” Warriors girls golf Head Coach Matt Griffin said. “We are going to work on the basics of golf first and executing the game from 100 yards out first. I can’t wait to tell others about the program once school starts back up.”

Practices for all fall sports officially began Monday for all high schools in the state. Warrenton and Wright City have high expectations and are excited about its upcoming sports.

Patrick MacCoon photo.