Pre-season can be a bit of a grind. Essentially, you are practicing six days a week, for five weeks. It is usually cold out there, and many days, it is pretty dreary. Last week was sandwiched by a couple of minor (but still inconveniencing) snowstorms, only adding to that grinding feeling. The two scrimmages we had this pre-season, were useful and game like, but there is no substitute for the real thing.

For the most part, our team has remained positive, stayed focused and navigated this pre-season admirably. As the days and then weeks, passed and regular season games came into view, you could feel the energy rising.

Yesterday’s practice was crisp, intense and energetic. Being the final practice before our first game of this season, I mostly liked what I saw out there and took that as a good sign, for today’s home contest against the Franklin Pierce Ravens. As the sun set over Hempstead Lake, we wrapped up practice and turned the page on our pre-season.

I woke this morning with all the excitement and anticipation of “opening day”. I laughed at myself, as I realized, I have been competing in sports for over fifty years (ouch!), first as a player and then as a coach, and after all these years, it hasn’t gotten old! I know I am fortunate to still be doing it, and feel that way about it, and I am grateful for it!

LET’S GO LIONS!