By Tony Levesque, Student Intern

Football and volleyball seasons are right around the corner. Frazier Mountain High School (FMHS) teams are already practicing and conditioning for competitive league play.

This news will be a relief to the many students and parents who flocked to El Tejon Unified School District Board meetings this spring, firm in their concern about keeping league sports programs despite school district budget problems.

Bill Shillig, a long-time teacher in the district, is the new head coach of the FMHS football team.

“With a coach like Shillig, I see our team going far this year,” said Shane Ryan, a varsity left guard and defensive end.

“He has been more than helpful getting us better, faster and stronger with our workouts. Our weightlifting program is better than ever and I see quick results in every single one of our players out there.”

Anybody who would like to play is invited to join practices Monday-Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the rest of summer.

“We have just enough players to play both Junior Varsity and Varsity,” Coach Shillig said, “but the more players we receive, the more people will interact and be part of the team and the better we will do over the season.”

Football isn’t the only sport starting practices though.

Volleyball practice started on Monday, Aug. 1 and will continue Monday through Friday from 9 to 11:45 a.m.

“We are inviting anybody who would like to play to come out and practice with us,” said Coach Sharon Lemburg. “We already have girls [who] are planning on playing, but we can use more.”

“We have also had two car washes so far and have made a little over $1,500,” Lemburg said. “Our next car wash will be held August 30 at the Assembly of God Church [in Frazier Park on Mt. Pinos Way, next to Ace Hardware].”

We will keep you updated on how practices are going over the next few weeks.

This is part of the August 05, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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