Fall sports teams in Warren County began practicing on Monday, a week later than their traditional start date.This year the opening of practice and first weeks of school coincide, with Wright City in session on Monday and Warrenton beginning Wednesday.During his first year in the district, Warrenton Activities Director Bobby Spoonster is excited to begin what he calls a hopeful transformation of the school’s sports programs.“A goal of ours was to increase participation,” said Spoonster. “This is the first step in the process of changing the culture.”And numbers were up in several sports, including softball.“Our numbers are up in a lot of our sports,” said Spoonster. “That’s something we’re obviously happy about. I think we have a lot of good athletes coming back that haven’t played in the past.”For Coach Trevor Hibbs it was an encouraging sight, perhaps a product of the recent success experienced by the program. The third-year coach had 29 athletes report to opening practice.“I think being a district champion and doing well the last three years have paid off for us,” said Hibbs.Two Warrenton sports will have new head coaches this school year, including volleyball in the fall.Among them is first-year volleyball coach Kristen Van Horn.Coach Steve McDowell was thrilled with the mild weather conditions that welcomed his team during the first two days of football practice.Mike Spoede, a veteran among the coaching staff, has witnessed the swings in participation numbers. This week, unfortunately, he has seen a disappointingly low turnout among those interested in joining the cross country team.Down the road, Wright City Cross Country Coach Sue Wright is experiencing a more generous turnout.She has reached double digits on the boys team, which qualified for state as a group last season. She has also increased girls number, going from just one to now three participants.“A little success last year has bred some really good numbers,” said Activities Director Doug Smith. “We have multiple kids planning on doing both cross country and football.”Wright City softball Coach Fred Ross isn’t enjoying that same luxury. He is working with a cast of 19 players, preparing for the second year of a rebuilding phase.“Last year’s team was really young, so we’re hoping to take that next step this season,” said Ross. “We should be able to compete with everyone except for the upper echelon teams.”Ross returns his entire infield, but will have new faces in the outfield.Volleyball Coach Todd Gambill is excited about the upcoming season, after his team showed significant improvement last fall.“We’re going to have plenty of players this year,” said Gambill. “The girls are definitely excited, and we had a good summer full of practices. We had really good attendance and and good attitudes toward wanting to working hard.”Wright City football coach Matt Brooks is also fielding limited numbers but is optimistic about the 2013 season.“Football numbers are way down, but we have some kids still waiting on physicals and eligibility clearance,” added Smith.

Wright City junior Holli Minzes swings during practice on Tuesday. Fall sports practices began on Monday for area schools.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.