Phase One is now underway for Alpena football

ALPENA, Mich. — At this time, all football teams across the state of Michigan are not practicing with the pigskin. However, head coach Eric Mitchell and the Alpena Wildcats football team are very happy to be back on the football field working out.

“We’re all in the same boat right now,” said Mitchell. “There’s just something right for being on the field in June.”

“It was awesome to see my friends again,” said Nicholas Schaub. “I love the social aspect of it and I’m glad to be here.”

On Monday, nearly 70 players were broken up into different groups. Each group had to complete five minute drills in eight different stations. The following drills are listed below:

Two Bleacher Stations (Athletic Movement & Conditioning)
Sledgehammer Swings
Tire Flips
Footwork Dot Drills
Cone Drills
Power Clean & Press
Farmer’s Walks

After each group completes a drill, they had to sanitize all their equipment before moving on to the next station. This is all part of Phase One of returning to high school sports.

“We all know that this is a fluid situation,” said Mitchell. “It needs to be handled with diligence. In order for us to move from Phase One to Phase Two, we have to check this box.”

For some players, this is the first time in a few months they’ve been able to workout. For the rest, it’s the complete opposite. Some players have been keeping themselves motivated as they look to take their football talents to the collegiate level.

“I’m looking to play college ball after high school,” said Charlie Williams. “Most of the time, I’ve been messaging coaches and sending them workout videos.”

Overall, Mitchell was very pleased with everyone’s effort after Monday’s session.

“We had about 70 kids today,” said Michell. “I was very surprised with how far along we are right now.”