(WAND) - The fall high school sports season has officially begun! Programs across the state were allowed to report for their first complete day of practices on Monday.
Coaches and players gathered at schools to kick off their first sessions of the new year. Among them, football teams at schools big and small could officially take the field.
Seniors reflected on their summer workouts and the excitement mounting ahead of a new year.
"Summer was a lot of fun," says Tolono Unity running back Crewe Eckstein. "It really introduced us to our team and how we how we can look. We had two crossover practices with Mahomet [Seymour] and Carterville. That was a lot of fun. It showed us what it looks like when we're working as a team or cheering for each other."
Mt Zion wide receiver Jacob Harvey says, "I've been playing at these guys for 6 or 7 years. It's definitely been a long road and we're definitely looking to go back to the state championship again. I think we have the pieces and we've got the camaraderie to do it."
Leading up to the first week of games, WAND Sports will preview the seasons of programs across central Illinois. Stay posted to see how teams are stacking up before the Friday Frenzy returns later this August.
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