BEE COUNTY – Every summer, in early August, all the local high school football, cross country and volleyball teams battle the heat to prepare for their upcoming seasons of competition.

Football and volleyball players began their summer rituals on Monday while the cross country teams have been busy since Aug. 1. Coastal Bend College volleyball and soccer have also begun their drives to their opening matches on the first of the month.

The Bee County schools are busy with two-a-days; most practices are scheduled for the cooler morning hours.

Both Pettus and Skidmore-Tynan have new head coaches as Dan Garza takes over for the departed Steve Marbach for the Eagles and coach Russell Joy takes the helm for the Bobcats. Troy Moses is back for his fourth year as the head coach and athletic director of the Trojans.

Conditioning takes up most of the practices this first week as teams get back into playing shape. All three schools produced good numbers at their first practices.

“We were very pleased with our first day of practice. We had a 48-player turnout, which was much more than expected,” said coach Garza.

“We saw good potential talent and size that we also did not expect. Overall, it was a great first day of football with a pretty positive outlook as we near our first scrimmage.”

The numbers were up at Skidmore also as new coach Joy welcomed more than 60 players who will vie for the 30 or so slots on varsity.

“We hope to not have too many doing double duty on both offense and defense. We have some good athletes,” said coach Joy.

The Trojans welcomed several returnees back and a strong freshman group.

“I’m really impressed with our younger kids. They have the potential to do some great things. It will be fun to see them develop over the next few years,” said coach Moses.

The Trojan have several experienced linemen back but will have to replace three of the four starters in the backfield.

The Beeville boys have Cameron Kremers and Tanner Treviño competing for the starter’s role at QB this year. The Trojans will be looking to repeat or better last year’s playoff appearance after a two-year absence.

“I am very excited about the opportunity we have this year. I’m confident in our kids and feel we are going to surprise some people,” said Moses.

The volleyball coaches also got their first look at their squads on Monday. New head coach Brittainie Zensmeyer will lead the Lady Trojans, and Tim Stowe will replace Judy Whatley as the head coach in Skidmore. Erica Garza returns for the Lady Eagles and has a young but athletic squad this year.