Husky Athletes Enjoy Early Days, Hard Work and Just Playing

While their schoolmates are likely enjoying their final full week of summer vacation on a beach, in a pool or just chilling out, athletes at are expending considerable time, effort and sweat this week in preparation for their fall 2011 schedules.

The Huskies’ football team commenced its preseason preparations last week and is currently in its first full week of full-contact workouts. Meanwhile the boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, girls’ tennis, boys’ cross-country, girls’ cross-country, girls’ volleyball and cheerleading squads all launched their preseason schedules Monday, just eight days prior to the first full day of classes in Bristol and Warren on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Despite warm temperatures, early rising times and strenuous physical activities, Mt. Hope athletes are excited to be embarking on a new season, using words such as “love,” “passion” and “dedication” to illustrate affinity for their sports. To a person, they agreed they would prefer being on a practice field or court this week to basking in the sun.

Football senior Theo Moskala said he has always been passionate about football.

“I’ve been playing football for most of my life and it has become a part of who I am and what I do,” he said. “I like the team aspect of football and the contact is fun. There aren’t too many sports where you have this type of physicality.”

Football senior Joe San Martin said he “loved” playing football.

“I’ve been playing since I was very young and it has become a big part of my life,” he said. “It’s worth it to me to be here. Playing football looks good on college applications and everyone just loves being here.”

Girls’ tennis senior Sophia Andreadis stressed the urgency of being ready for a new season.

“Our first match is during the first full week of school and we need to get our team together quickly,” she said. “As a senior, I want to be a role model for the younger girls and be dedicated to the team.”

Girls’ tennis senior Brooke Spina stressed her recent devotion to the sport.

“I’ve been playing tennis here since I was a freshman and I feel I’ve gotten better,” she said. “I love playing tennis and I don’t mind being here because it’s fun to play.”

Girls’ soccer captains Brooke Pacheco, Felicia Vieira and Christie Ribeiro all voiced loyalty to their teammates.

“I feel the first week of the season is very important because it gets us in shape for our first few games,” Pacheco said. “I love to see the skill levels of our new players.”

“It’s important that we come together as a team and learn to work together,” Vieira said. “We have to get to know each other and get into shape together so we can play well as a team and get into the playoffs.”

“Definitely, it’s a passion for me,” Ribeiro said. “We’re very young this year, so we have to get to know each other like a family and double sessions will help us do that.”

Senior cheerleader Abbie Harris said she has been cheering for the past 10 years and still enjoys the activity.

“Since I’ve been doing it for a long time, it’s a big part of me,” she said. “It’s good physical activity for us and helps us improve our teamwork.”

Perhaps speaking for all Mt. Hope athletes this week, Harris added: “This beats sitting at home doing nothing.”