McLouth coach Harry Hester said the time separation was because of the excessive heat warnings.

“We try to do a great job of educating our kids to hydrate before they come to us,” Hester said. “We tell them not to drink caffeine because it dehydrates you.”

The Bulldogs will field about 30 players this season. All 30 will suit up for varsity games.

Hester said he was impressed with the effort on the first day of practice.

“If a kid is out there busting his butt and not worrying about what position he plays, wants to get better and listens, those little things are what we’re looking for right now,” Hester said.

McLouth’s first day of pads will be Thursday. Two-a-days end on Friday.

Volleyball

Monday represented the first varsity volleyball practice first-year coach Erika Houk ever conducted.

For the Bulldogs morning practice, the players conditioned. No one touched a volleyball. The afternoon practice focused on footwork, ball handling and passing.

“Passing is one thing everyone needs to work on,” Houk said. “Every play starts with a pass.”

McLouth will take part in two-a-day practices the entire week.

“I stressed that especially today, they’re not going to like me that much and they’re going to be sore,” Houk said. “But it will pay off in big tournaments when they play five or six matches in one day. It’s pushing that extra mile when you’re tired and giving 110 percent.”

Houk will finalize the varsity roster, which will consist of about 10 players, by Monday.

McLouth will begin its season with the Delaware Valley League Tournament on Aug. 25.

The McLouth cross country team also began practice Monday. The team will start its season Aug. 30 against Jefferson West at Shawnee Mission North.