By Derrick Forsythe Record Sports Editor Weather was cooperative and numbers abundant as Warrenton and Wright City opened their fall sports practices on Monday. Warrenton kicked off practices for five sports, while Wright City opened in three sports. The Warriors have chosen the morning as an ideal time, while Wright City is meeting in the afternoons and evenings. Either way, both have enjoyed the mild temperatures to begin their seasons. That, along with increased attendance, has coaches excited about the 2014 season. “We had beautiful weather,” said Wright City Athletic Director Smith. “It doesn’t look like this week we’ll have to deal with any postponed or canceled practices.” That is fortunate, considering athletes are required to log at least 14 practices before they are allowed to participate in a contest. For some coaches, this will include weekend practices. Smith anticipates a rise in wins for each of the Wildcats’ three fall teams — football, softball and volleyball. The cross country team, which graduated the majority of its runners, will begin practice once school returns to session on Aug. 11. Smith says he had an opportunity to visit both the football and softball practices. “The football team seemed real excited about their practice,” said Smith. “The kids were working hard, and it seemed like a lot was being accomplished.” An increase in participation should take some strain off softball coach Fred Ross. “It looks like we’ll have enough for full junior varsity and varsity teams for the first time in several years,” said Smith. Wright City will kick off its fall schedule when the football team travels to Winfield for the Jamboree on Aug. 15. The softball team will open play for the other teams, heading to the Boonville Tournament on Aug. 23. Warrenton Activities Director was equally enthused about the Warriors’ first day of practices. “It was great,” said Spoonster. “I loved the energy that we had in every sport.” The football team saw several new arrivals, meaning an increase over already promising numbers in the summer. Warrenton also began practices for cross country, soccer, softball and volleyball. “The numbers were solid, and the coaches were doing an awesome job of working with the kids,” said Spoonster. The Warrenton football team will kick off its season by competing in the Zumwalt North Jamboree on Aug. 15. The following Friday the soccer team will travel to Fulton, while the softball team will open play in the Troy Tournament.
Nine different sports between Warrenton and Wright City open up this fall. First official practices begin Aug. 3.
