Wilton Football Begins Conditioning Practice

The Wilton High School football team begins its preseason conditioning Monday afternoon with its first official practice starting at 3:30 p.m.

The Warriors actually are getting under way a week later 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 days to their summer schedule.

Coaches could pick one or the other, but not both. Wilton coach Bruce Cunningham opted for the tradional route, meaning the Warriors' summer practice was pushed back a week.

Of the 145 football-playing high schools in the state, 85 choose spring practice. Interestingly, only three FCIAC schools picked the extra days in the summer:  Fairfield Ludlowe, Norwalk and St. Joseph.

CIAC rules require five days of conditioning before the first full-contact practice can begin. Therefore, Wilton won't work out in pads until Aug. 28.

The Warriors play at Weston on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m in the first of three preseason scrimmages. Wilton's first game is on the road against Trumbull on September 16 at 6 p.m.

Cunningham is entering his second season after taking over for long-time Wilton coach Tim Eagen last year. The Warriors were 2-8 in Cunningham's first season.