Gladiator Training School now in session

Image: New defensive coach, new 2A classification, same old gold tradition — Italy’s new defensive coordinator Jeff Richters pitches to senior Heath Clemons(2) who will test the Gladiator defense’s pursuit effort. Photo by: Barry Byers

New defensive coach, new 2A classification, same old gold tradition — Italy’s new defensive coordinator Jeff Richters pitches to senior Heath Clemons(2) who will test the Gladiator defense’s pursuit effort. Photo by: Barry Byers (Barry Byers)

Image: Here they come — Heath Clemons, Corrin Frazier, Eddie Garcia and Eric Carson head toward their next drill.

Here they come — Heath Clemons, Corrin Frazier, Eddie Garcia and Eric Carson head toward their next drill. (Barry Byers)

Image: Grabbing some air — Colton Campbell, a key member of Italy’s playoff basketball squad, could help the Gladiators reach a whole new level this season.

Grabbing some air — Colton Campbell, a key member of Italy’s playoff basketball squad, could help the Gladiators reach a whole new level this season. (Barry Byers)

Image: Over the shoulder — Tavarus Griffin reacts to the flight of the ball to make an over the shoulder catch.

Over the shoulder — Tavarus Griffin reacts to the flight of the ball to make an over the shoulder catch. (Barry Byers)

Image: Holden on — Jase Holden leaps for the catch.

Holden on — Jase Holden leaps for the catch. (Barry Byers)

Image: Corrin snags it — Corrin Frazier hauls in a pass during receiver drills.

Corrin snags it — Corrin Frazier hauls in a pass during receiver drills. (Barry Byers)

Image: Paul and Chase — Enjoying the break are Paul Harris and Chase Hamilton.

Paul and Chase — Enjoying the break are Paul Harris and Chase Hamilton. (Barry Byers)

Image: Linemen go at it — Italy’s lean and mean lineman get their shots in despite not wearing shoulder pads.

Linemen go at it — Italy’s lean and mean lineman get their shots in despite not wearing shoulder pads. (Barry Byers)

Image: Digging in — Larry Mayberry and noseguard Bobby Wilson get ready for the snap.

Digging in — Larry Mayberry and noseguard Bobby Wilson get ready for the snap. (Barry Byers)

Image: Center push — Center Ethan Simon blocks down.

Center push — Center Ethan Simon blocks down. (Barry Byers)

Image: Bobby vs Omar — Bobby Wilson(64) and Omar Estrada hold nothing back.

Bobby vs Omar — Bobby Wilson(64) and Omar Estrada hold nothing back. (Barry Byers)

Image: Reed relaxes — Adrian Reed takes a knee before taking down the competition.

Reed relaxes — Adrian Reed takes a knee before taking down the competition. (Barry Byers)

Image: Larry looks violent — Double 7, Larry Mayberry, is ready for pads.

Larry looks violent — Double 7, Larry Mayberry, is ready for pads. (Barry Byers)

Image: Coach Erik Wilson — Joining the team this season is Coach Erik Wilson.

Coach Erik Wilson — Joining the team this season is Coach Erik Wilson. (Barry Byers)

Image: Making the call — Jasenio Anderson(11) makes the defensive call during a drill.

Making the call — Jasenio Anderson(11) makes the defensive call during a drill. (Barry Byers)

Image: Nose for the ball — Noseguard Bobby Wilson scans the offensive formation.

Nose for the ball — Noseguard Bobby Wilson scans the offensive formation. (Barry Byers)

Image: Coaching the backers — Linebackers Kyle Wilkins and Jasenio Anderson receive instruction from defensive coordinator Jeff Richters.

Coaching the backers — Linebackers Kyle Wilkins and Jasenio Anderson receive instruction from defensive coordinator Jeff Richters. (Barry Byers)

Image: Waterboys! — What would the team do without them?

Waterboys! — What would the team do without them? (Barry Byers)

Image: Bales lends a hand — Head Coach Craig Bales motivates the players during conditioning drills.

Bales lends a hand — Head Coach Craig Bales motivates the players during conditioning drills. (Barry Byers)

Image: Thanks, Coach! — Coach Aidan Callahan takes care of a Gladiator.

Thanks, Coach! — Coach Aidan Callahan takes care of a Gladiator. (Barry Byers)

Image: Mr. Quarterback — Jasenio Anderson and the right arm of the Gladiators’ offense.

Mr. Quarterback — Jasenio Anderson and the right arm of the Gladiators’ offense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Justin throws a strike — Quarterback Justin Buchanan has looked sharp after trading in his baseball for football.

Justin throws a strike — Quarterback Justin Buchanan has looked sharp after trading in his baseball for football. (Barry Byers)

Image: #11’s on the move — Jasenio Anderson(11). Be afraid.

#11’s on the move — Jasenio Anderson(11). Be afraid. (Barry Byers)

Image: Justin to Kyle — Justin Buchanan hands off to Kyle Wilkins.

Justin to Kyle — Justin Buchanan hands off to Kyle Wilkins. (Barry Byers)

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