This interview was recorded at the Athens ISD Fieldhouse Wednesday, July 13, with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.
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You might not have noticed here in the depths of summer, but the Athens Hornets will face Fairfield in the first scrimmage of 2022 in just one month. I stopped by to check in on the SWARM to see how things are going with the season on the horizon.
I. Summer Conditioning Program (1:08)
Summary: The Hornets are in the 5th week of their summer conditioning program. Athens averaged about 115 athletes in the first three weeks. Numbers have gone down a little recently as families go on vacations, but there have still been between 70 and 80 athletes showing up every day.
Quote: "We've had really good senior leadership this year," Coach Harrell said. "We feel like probably the best that we've had since we've been here, our seniors are really stepping up and leading in the summer."
II. Schedule as Season Starts (3:30)
Summary: UIL allows teams to do two hours of conditioning and one hour of sports-specific skills, so the Hornets worked on skills throughout June. Regular practice and school will start on Aug. 1 and the Hornets will get into their regular season practice routine at that time.
Quote: "We don't really have two-a-days anymore," Coach Harrell said.
III. Changes (6:10)
Summary: The Hornets have hired four new football coaches. Senior basketball player Eli Perkins has come out to play football this year.
Quote: "It's been kind of a busy spring from the hiring standpoint," Coach Harrell said. "We're excited about all four of them. They all bring something different to the table."
Quote: "All Hornet fans know (Eli Perkins) because he's a great athlete."
IV. Numbers Out for Football (7:58)
Summary: Athens is projecting that 158 athletes are coming out for football, freshmen through seniors.
Quote: "It's the most we've ever had," said Coach Harrell.
IV. Fourth Year (9:15)
Summary: Coach Harrell is about to start his fourth season as coach of the Hornets. With that time, there is familiarity with the playbook and the program for players. That can be an advantage for the Hornets.
Quote: "Our kids are really good at what we do," Coach Harrell said, "and when you get to that point you don't have to spend so much time running Day 1 plays."
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