The calendar read Aug. 15, but junior Michael Campanaro said it felt like Dec. 25.
“I only feel this way on big days, like Christmas,” he said. “I waited all year for this day. I barely slept I was so ready for this.”
Campanaro could hardly contain his excitement as the defensive back joined his River Hill football teammates on the field for the first practice of this season shortly after 8 on a sun-soaked, Wednesday morning. But he wasn?t the only one who couldn?t wait to take the first step toward a memorable season.
Wednesday marked the first day fall sports teams could practice at each of the state?s 188 public high schools. It was a day where girls and boys ditched their sandals for cleats, shirts for mesh practice jerseys and took the first step to becoming a football, soccer, field hockey, volleyball or cross country team.
“As far as I?m concerned, this is the first day of school,” River Hill senior linebacker Zach Martin said. “Last year is now officially last year and it?s time to move on, starting right now. Right now, all we?re focused on is winning a state title and I?m know there are a lot of other teams that feel the same way.
Here?s a look at the first day of practice at River Hill through the lens of Examiner photographer Chris Ammann.
