High school sports are officially back.
Monday was the first day of practice for teams across Missouri. The date is sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association following a mandatory “dead week.”
At Houston High School, the return of sports meant the beginning of the 2013 seasons for the football, softball and volleyball teams.
Second-year HHS football coach Billy O’Neil said 48 players reported on opening day. The Tigers will have five full practices before the 22nd annual pig roast at 6 p.m. Saturday. The following Friday, the Tigers will compete in a jamboree at Mountain Grove.
HHS, which ended a 22-game losing skid last year and finished 2-8, hosts Salem on Aug. 30 in the season opener.
The defending district champion softball team opened a new season with 13 players under the direction of coach Brent Hall. The Lady Tigers, who went 11-7 last year, open the season Aug. 29 at home against Stoutland.
Volleyball coach Skye Carrasquillo said 18 girls participated in her team’s first practice. The Lady Tigers, who were 12-17-2 in 2012, host rival Licking on Sept. 3 to begin the season.