Aug. 27, 2007

The word preseason automatically creates knots in my stomach. Preseason is the time when everyone is humbled and feels pain. There is the pain of waking up early, going to bed late, sore muscles, burning lungs, mental fatigue, bangs, bruises, and knowing that you have an entire week ahead of you.

This preseason was much like those in the past; however, this year we condensed the normal two weeks into one grueling week. The first few days we had our fitness tests; we had more people pass than ever before. Those who pass at least two of the three fitness tests are excluded from Breakfast Club. Breakfast Club is the group that meets for an extra fitness session daily.

Our squad of freshman slowly began to mix in with the competitive rhythm of the team. Preseason began to wind down after the annual alumni game. This game is a great time to see our progress as a team; it is our first full-sided scrimmage against an outside opponent. Even in the heat of the day we kept possession of the ball and showed our creativity in the attacking half, as well as maintaining our relentless defense. It was great to show the alumni that we are improving; a 5-2 win made everyone happy.

We traveled east for our next scrimmage against the Pirates of East Carolina this past Saturday. We played at 1 p.m. and in the midst of the humidity and fatigued legs we displayed our fitness and made the Pirates work for the win.

We had some great opportunities to score but had a hard time finding the back of the net. The Pirates scored off a set piece in the first half, which remained the only goal of the game. The first loss is always tough to swallow but it is an important step in building a team; it builds team character and creates the desire for a win.

We are preparing for our next opponent and our trip out west where we will take on Wyoming and Northern Colorado. The team is looking forward to our first true game of the season and to see how the Rocky Mountains compare to our mountains here at home.