Official practice underway for upcoming seasons
By Travis Dockery
389 Country Editor
It might still be summer vacation for students, but the campus of Hayesville High School is buzzing with Yellow Jacket athletes. On Monday, Aug. 1, official pre-season practices got underway for those hoping to wear the black and Vegas gold in the upcoming fall seasons.
Head varsity football coach Chad McClure is trying to minimize the affect of the summer sun by having his team hit the field at Frank R. Long Stadium after 6 p.m. The time also simulates early season game-time conditions.
"The first couple of days have gone good," said McClure. "We have a lot of new faces that seem to be eager." Right now, the team spends practices completing drills and going over formations. "The real test will be when we put on pads and start hitting. That will be when we see how serious our guys are," McClure commented.
Varsity football season opener: Friday, Aug. 19 vs Towns County at 7:30 p.m.
On the other end of the field, the JV football squad was going through their paces. A
noticeable improvement from last year's team is the number of players on Hayesville's team. "We have a good roster that includes 18 freshmen," said head coach Brett Graves. "We just have to put in the work to capitalize."
Lineman coach Zach White was vocal about his excitement for the 2022 season. "It's football time in North Carolina!" White said. "We've got big numbers and big guys and I'm on a football field. Life is good!"
JV football season opener: Thursday, Aug. 18 at Madison at 6 p.m.
Down the hill from the football field, the Lady Yellow Jacket volleyball squads were fine tuning their skills in the high school gym known as The HIve. The Lady Jackets are rotating from morning to evening practices plus their strength training workouts.
Head coach Tammy Dills sets up scenarios between her varsity and JV teams. Although the practices are designed to improve player's skill and teamwork, the scrimmage atmosphere also brings out the competitiveness of the Lady Jackets. Each point scored is a lesson and a bragging right.
Volleyball season opener: Monday, Aug. 15 vs Tuscola. JV at 5 p.m. / Varsity at 6 p.m.