Excelsior Springs student athletes and coaches are getting a breather of sorts this week. This week is a “dead week” for programs at Excelsior Springs and other schools that participate in activities sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) – the second of two summertime dead periods required by MSHSAA. Per association regulations, each school sets one dead period for its coaches and student athletes, and MSHSAA sets the other. The MSHSAA-designated dead period began July 29. It’ll conclude on Sunday, with practices for MSHSAA-sanctioned fall sports set to begin on Aug. 7. During the dead period, coaches aren’t allowed to have contact with student athletes who are taking part in an upcoming sport. Facilities also are off limits to student athletes during the dead period. After the latest dead period ends, Excelsior Springs will begin practices for seven sports: football, softball, volleyball, cross country, girls golf, boys soccer and girls…