As the spring season rolls around the corner, so do preseason sports at Fair Grove High School. Spring Sports that are currently undergoing preseason training are coached by Lindsay Martin (track), Krista Miller and Christopher Haviland (girls soccer), and Tara Whetzel and Kelli Buffington (softball).
The Fair Grove Girls Soccer team is starting up their preseason again, holding practices every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 to 5:30. Their first game of the season will take place on March 15.
Riley Frazier (11) stated, “We do a lot more cardio and the basics of soccer than doing walkthroughs of a game and working in actual positions.”
Stephanie Dunham (12) said, “I prepare for a run by stretching adequately to avoid any injuries, as well as putting on the right running shoes.”
Preseason is mostly preparation for the upcoming seasons, usually entailing conditioning and training. Dunham furthermore explained, “Preseason soccer is intended to get players to peak physical condition before the actual season starts, while in-season practices are intended to work more on drills and tweaking things to make the players game performance better.”
Dunham stated, “I would say that characteristics that would be ideal for a soccer player would be someone with grit and a noticeable drive to continue to get better. It’s important for each individual player to push themselves to the best of their abilities every single day.”
The soccer girls make many memories no matter good or bad and they build closer bonds together.
Softball is coached by Coach Whetzell and Coach Buffington. Preseason softball also trains Fair Grove softball players to get in peak condition for a successful season. Coach Whetzell explained, “We are typically inside during preseason because it is winter time, therefore we work on a lot of fundamentals and hitting in the hallways and in the FEMA. During preseason we are limited to how many hours we can practice, which is much different then during the season.”
Whetzell stated, “The characteristics we look for in players are good character, having a good work ethic, leadership skills, grit, unselfishness, and a willingness to learn in all situations. I would tell them that they need to be ready to work hard and be willing to be a great teammate.”
Preseason is a great opportunity for athletes to get prepared for their upcoming season and to build a relationship with their team.
