As new Italy ISD Athletic Director, Hank Hollywood, slides play cards into the wristbands for the seven-on-seven team to practice, players make their way down from the school to begin workouts. The Lady Gladiator softball team is practicing at the softball field in preparation for their regional playoff round against Crawford while the boys take to the fields where Hollywood works out their legs before running thru football plays in preparation for what is shaping up to be an exciting season to start the 2012-2013 school year.

New line coach, Brandon Duncan, takes the lineman to the “back forty” for drills and line fires. Duncan, a graduate of Scurry-Rosser in 2002, received his degree from Texas A&M Commerce in 2006 where he played three seasons of football for the Lions as a lineman and running back. Duncan arrives in Italy after spending the past two seasons in Rice where, as an assistant football and head track coach, helped the JV/varsity Bulldogs achieve a district championship in track, the first ever in that school’s history.

Spirited senior lineman, Zackery Boykin, was joined by Zain Byers, Kevin Roldan, John Byers, Braulio Luna, Hank Seabolt, Adrain Reed, Darol Mayberry, John Hughes and Cody Medrano during line drills. Colin Newman arrived later after completing testing in the school. Boykin and Luna are the only 2013 seniors in this group. Collectively, however, Italy’s offensive linemen have size, athleticism, experience, the ability to be ferocious in the trenches with a chance to be considered as one of the top offensive lines in the state as Italy drops in classification from 2A to 1A. 

The Lady Gladiators began their after school workouts in the weight room before joining the boys on Willis Field. Then, a modern day version of chariot races began with groupings of Gladiators and Lady Gladiators lapping the entire field to see who could finish first. Freshman sprinter, Kortnei Johnson, took advantage of the opportunity to run before leaving with Hollywood and track teammate, Jameka Copeland, for the state meet in Austin where Johnson is to compete in three events.

After the last chariots crossed the finish line at the urging of team members to finish strong, Hollywood, huddled the entire cast of athletes before breaking for the day. Football players stayed to work on snaps and run a few more pass routes. Ryheem Walker, Eric Carson, Marvin Cox and John Escamilla handled the quarterback reps while Zain Byers, Boykin, Hughes and Colin Newman did the snapping duties.

Roldan, worked on his field kicking at the far end of the field while a plethora of receivers worked on route precision, timing and getting accustomed to making the big cacthes. Trevon Robertson, Cole Hopkins, Cody Boyd, Reid Jacinto, Shad Newman, Jalarnce Lewis, Chase Hamilton, Hayden Wood, Tyler Anderson, Caden Jacinto, Tyvion Copeland, Carson and Escamilla all ran receiver routes on Thursday.

Every member of Italy’s family could be spotted around the facilities doing their part, pitching in, encouraging another…pushing themselves. Leaders emerge, bonds are formed and goals are being reached together.

If Italy’s athletes continue to commit and put in the time the remainder of the school year and throughout the summer, the sky is the limit for the Italy Athletic program during the next school year. Believe now more than ever, and keep lifting, running and practicing! Go Italy!!

Click here to see more photos of the off season workouts

The Lady Gladiator softball team will play tonight starting at 5:00 p.m. in Waco and at least one game on Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m.

The 7-on-7 football squad will have their first challenge against district rival Scurry-Rosser on Thursday in Scurry at 5:00 p.m.