A Fresh Start on the Field
The first week of preseason drills brought a buzz of activity to practice fields, as squads from Civic Memorial to East Alton‑Wood River gathered under bright skies and occasional showers. Coaches used the sessions to gauge readiness, fine‑tune strategies and spark enthusiasm among players eager to make an impact before the regular season kicks off.
At Civic Memorial, the opening camp drew 65 athletes, a number the staff expects to swell to 65‑70 by the season’s start thanks to a strong senior and sophomore core. The team’s early focus on fundamentals signals a deliberate effort to build consistency from the outset.
Southwestern High School reported a modest but encouraging rise, with 43 players showing up for the first practice — a noticeable increase from the previous year’s turnout. The coaching staff highlighted the positive shift as a sign of growing community interest.
Alton High’s head coach, Rick Reinhart, welcomed 55 participants and anticipated further additions as the roster fills out. He noted the team’s traditional strengths while pinpointing specific areas that need refinement before the August 20‑22 season opener.
Marquette Catholic returned to the IHSA Class 3A playoffs after a 2019 absence, finishing the prior season at 5‑5. The squad practiced in the late afternoon, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., emphasizing a return to competitive form and a desire to build on last year’s progress.
Roxana’s Shells arrived with 45 players, aiming to expand the group to around 50. The coaching staff stressed daily improvement and a collective focus on execution, recalling a 7‑4 finish and a second‑round playoff exit that they hope to surpass this year.
East Alton‑Wood River entered camp with just 27 athletes, working intensively on conditioning and basic skills. The program’s goal is to grow the roster to just under 40 players while laying a solid foundation for future growth.
Weather conditions varied throughout the day, with sunshine giving way to light rain by evening. Coaches praised the players’ energy and commitment, describing the opening sessions as the first step of a season‑long journey that will culminate in the IHSA’s nine‑week regular season and a playoff field of 384 teams.