The clock is ticking. Summer is almost over.
Not for most of you, summer doesn't officially doesn't end until Sept. 22.
But for us in the sports department, and for high-school athletes around the state, the upcoming flip of the calendar from July to August means it is.
The first day of practice for fall sports in Missouri is Monday, Aug. 4. In just eight days, it's time for football, boys soccer, volleyball, girls tennis and golf and cross country to officially begin their preparations for their respective seasons.
For the athletes, it's time to start in earnest for their sports. For us in the sports department, it's time to learn a new group of names for the teams that we cover.
One highlight to the fall season will actually come before it actually begins.
For the past several years, the Helias Crusaders have traveled far and wide for their football jamboree. The Crusaders have gone to exotic locales such as O'Fallon, Waynesville and St. Clair to meet up with teams for short scrimmages designed, if for no other reason, to finally have a chance to hit somebody beside your own teammates.
Three hours round-trip for less than an hour of actual time on the field. Seemed a little counterproductive.
No three-hour cruise this year, though, as Helias will be joining several area teams in a jamboree in Wardsville.
Among the other teams scheduled to participate are host Blair Oaks and California. So those of you who have been wondering for years what it would be like to see the Crusaders and Falcons or the Crusaders and Pintos on the same field, here's your opportunity.
Of course, it is nothing but a glorified short practice. And no one will keep score.
Right.
Speaking of changes, the News Tribune will be featuring a different weekly football preview section starting this season.
In conjunction with other publications in Central Missouri Newspapers Inc., the News Tribune will have expanded preview coverage for games for teams throughout the area.
So in addition to our usual coverage for Jefferson City, Helias and Blair Oaks, the publication each week will feature preview stories, statistics and photos for schools such as California, Fulton, South Callaway, Eldon and School of the Osage, among others.
The idea is to make the tab-sized section a one-stop-shop for area football fans interested in teams throughout the area, while still giving readers the content they want about their favorite squad.
The section will begin with games in week two of the season and go through the opening game of the district tournament.
We are all excited about the new product and we hope as readers, you will be as well.