Area sports teams will begin practice on Monday, Aug. 12, as classes resume for both Warrenton and Wright City High Schools next week.Warrenton Activities Director Bobby Spoonster is anxious to begin his first year in charge of the athletic programs, helping to schedule the busiest season of the school year.The football team begins its second year under Steve McDowell and will practice from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and from 3 to 6 p.m. the remainder of the week.The softball team looks to continue its successful streak, beginning a third year under Coach Trevor Hibbs. Practices will take place 3 to 5 p.m. daily.First year coach Kristen Van Horn opens her volleyball practices from 3 to 6 p.m.The soccer team will drill in the mornings from 8 to 11 a.m.Coach Mike Spoede will host cross country practices from 7 to 9 a.m.Warrenton cheerleaders will practice from 3 to 5 p.m. daily as well.Wright City will begin fall practices for three sports, with football, softball and volleyball opening play. Cross country will begin at a later time.Entering his second full season as varsity head coach, Matt Brooks will lead the football team in practices from 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. each day.The first varsity football contests will begin on Friday, Aug. 31, with jamborees being held the previous Friday.Other sports will open on Tuesday, Aug. 27, for Warrenton with a home volleyball jamboree and on Wednesday, Aug. 28 for Wright City with a home softball contest.

Area high schools will begin fall sports practices on Monday, Aug. 12.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.