Blue Wave Football Begins Conditioning Monday

Darien's gridiron is set for a bit of preheating Monday as the Blue Wave football team kicks off its 2010 practice schedule.

Players won't work out in pads until Aug. 28.—CIAC rules require five days of conditioning before the first full-contact practice can begin—but this week brings a run of 4-plus hour training sessions.

Darien is actually getting later start than some other schools. Last year, the CIAC adopted a measure in which teams would have the option of conducting traditional spring practice or adding four extra sessions to their summer schedule.

Coaches could pick one or the other, but not both. Darien coach Rob Trifone opted for the tradional route, meaning the Blue Wave's first official summer practice was set for Aug. 23.

The Blue Wave plays at Bridgeport Central Aug. 29 in the first of three preseason scrimmages. Darien's first regular season game is at home Sept. 16 against Fairfield Warde.

Trifone is entering his fourth year at Darien with an overall mark of 22-11, including a 7-3 record season.