By Bob Sofaly
The Island News
Area football teams are taking to the field one more time for their annual Spring practice programs before school is out for the summer.
Athletes suit up and run their respective drills, working to correct a bad habit or to re-enforce good ones and strengthen as a unit.
“The purpose of Spring practice is begin the process of establishing a team ethic and camaraderie”, said Ed Susi, Head Football Coach for the Battery Creek Dolphins.
Susi said he has 62 athletes, including 11 returning seniors, showing up for the grueling drills. Some are rising freshmen still in middle school. Because they are still in middle school they aren’t allowed to physically participate with the older players for safety reasons. But they can still run drills and run laps if their performance falls short of expectations.
Susi said his team members s still expected to stay in shape during the Summer break. “Summer is about continuing in the weight room and working on our individual and team skills. They know what is expected from them to compete and change the culture of the team.”
The BCHS Dolphins struggled with a less than stellar season in 2023. Susi said he expects a very good off season, He said his team is looking forward to competition in the Fall. “(These) kids are excited about finally getting back on the field. They want to be the group that turns it around.”
