Summer is over for fall sports athletes at Excelsior Springs High School. On Monday, practices began for five sports at Excelsior Springs: football, boys soccer, softball, girls tennis, cross country and volleyball. It was the first day prep teams statewide could begin practicing, as dictated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The athletes started the week with temperatures in the low-to-mid-80s in the mornings and high temperatures reaching the upper 80s. Coaches and administrators have gone through training to prepare for warmer weather by helping them acclimate to the heat, yet keeping the athletes safe the first few weeks of practices and games. As practices continue, the studentathletes will continue competing against one another to determine team positions. Per requirements by MSHSAA, they’ll be required to get in nine practices as they compete for playing time before they can participate in a jamboree-type scrimm...