Parents, Coaches Hold Annual Meeting
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The annual parent and coaches pre-season football meeting was held Monday evening at Van Metre Field.
With the start of prep football practice in Illinois now less than 24 hours away, Du Quoin's football coaching staff meet with parents to discuss team rules and policies.
Al Martin-entering his 21st year as the Indians' varsity coach-stressed two key points.
"We ask that our athletes stay disciplined and organized," he said. "And not just on the practice field, but in the classroom. These are good guidelines to follow. A lot of good things can happen if kids can just do those two things."
Practice schedules, team rules, grooming and discipline codes and academic requirements were outlined, along with strict standards concerning alcohol, tobacco, drug and steroid use
"Du Quoin is no different than any other school," Martin said. "We want to stay away from these kinds of problems. And if they happen, there are some pretty stiff penalties that will be enforced."
The Indians begin practice with sophomore, junior and senior hopefuls reporting at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. both Wednesday and Thursday.
Freshmen players will have only the 5 p.m. workouts Wednesday and Thursday.
With back-to-school meeting's held Friday, Martin and staff will conduct a single practice session (3 p.m.) and will then don pads for the first full-contact drills at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Next week, when school starts in Du Quoin, plans call for double-practice sessions (2:30 and 5 p.m.).
As the meeting began, Martin introduced the 2008 Indians coaching staff.
The group consists of Keith Ellis, John Gross, Shane Boyett, Michael Riggio, Derek Beard, Jon Sargent, Bob Shaw, Gabe Sveda, Nick Hill, Mark Bullock and Tyler Krone.
"I am always excited about each season," Martin admitted. "But I am really excited about this season. We have some good kids- and coaches-who've really worked hard all summer. We hope this is a very good season."
Athletic Trainer Tim Davis of Marshall Browning Hospital stressed nutrition, hydration and diet to parents and players in attendance.
"It's also very important to get your kids plenty of rest,' Davis said. "They really need that good night's sleep to let their bodies and minds fully recover."
Davis is in his 11th of provided training services to Du Quoin and Pinckneyville Community High School athletes.
The Indians open varsity play at home Aug. 29 against Bethalto Civic Memorial.