Staples Football Begins Practice Monday

The Staples High School football team begins its preseason conditioning bright and early on Monday with its first  practice running from 7-10 a.m.

The defending FCIAC champions actually start a week later than some other schools. Last year, the CIAC adopted a measure in which teams could have the option of conducting traditional spring practice or adding a few extra sessions to their summer schedule.

Coaches could pick one or the other, but not both. Staples coach Marce Petroccio opted for the tradional route, meaning the Wreckers' first official summer practice was pushed back a week.

CIAC rules require five days of conditioning before the first full-contact practice can begin, meaning the Wreckers won't work out in pads until August 28.

Staples plays at Bunnell on September 1 in the first of three preseason scrimmages. The Wreckers' first game is at home against Trinity Catholic on September 17 at 3 p.m.

The Wreckers are coming off an 11-1 season, but the one loss was a heartbreaking 28-21 overtime defeat to Cheshire in the CIAC Class LL state championship game. Prior to that loss, Staples was ranked No. 1 in the state.

Petroccio is entering his 18th season at Staples, boasting an overall record of 145-49. The Wreckers have been in the state championship game in six of the last eight years while winning three titles.

Here are the first practice dates and times for Staples' other fall sports:

Boys' soccer: August 28, 7:30-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Girls soccer:  August 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.

Boys and girls cross country:  August 30, 2:45 p.m.

Field hockey: TBA

Girls swimming: August 28, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Volleyball: TBA