BRANDON –– Otter Valley Union Middle and High School’s grade 9-12 football will kick off the fall sports season starting Monday, Aug. 16.
“It’s a family within itself and I’m really looking forward to seeing everybody,” said OV Football Offense Coordinator Coach Jordan Tolar, 28, who is returning for his fifth year of coaching at OVUHS. “Everybody’s excited to get back to regular football. We had a great group of guys working hard over the summer, so I’m excited to see how that transpires onto the field. They’re excited and the coaches are too.”
Other sports start at the following dates: OVUHS boys and girls soccer, field hockey, cross country, and golf all start on Aug. 19. Cheerleading, grades 7-12, begins on Aug. 19; while 7-8 boys and girls soccer, cross country running begin Sept. 1, and field hockey begins Sept. 2.
The grade 9-12 all-sports informational meeting is Thursday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at OVUHS. Both athletes and guardians should plan to attend with physical files in hand, the form for which can be found at ovus.rnesu.org/page/athletics. Those attending can go through the front door to check in, then receive direction to the room for their chosen sport where coaches will distribute season schedules as well as any necessary information.
Athletic Director Stephen Keith will be sending an email out for grades 7-8 containing the date of their meeting that will be the week of Aug. 23. “We’re excited to have a hopefully regular season for the kids to get a good opportunity to play,” said Keith.
All Otter Valley athletes are expected to sign up (or update your account for returning players) online via formreleaf.com. Anyone who has questions can contact skeith@rnesu.org.
“I’m always excited about the start of a new sports season,” said Principal Jim Avery. “I’ve lived through 27 seasons and it’s always a great time of year because everyone is optimistic. We’re excited to get kids doing outside activities that are as normal as we can make it.”
