WESLACO — Weslaco head coach Roy Stroman paced the infield of Bobby Lackey Stadium watching his team practice.
It was nothing new for him except this year Stroman takes over the helm as head coach of Weslaco High football after last year’s head coach Michael Salinas resigned. Stroman has been a part of the team since 2008.
Across town, Weslaco East head coach Mike Burgett was doing the same on the Weslaco East practice field.
Each coach had their skilled-position players running pass routes. Their defensive and offensive linemen were working on their blocking and pass rush techniques.
And it was just the beginning of their two-a-day practices starting early Tuesday morning.
“We will get these guys prepared and ready,” Stroman said. “And, hopefully we will continue on to our goal of becoming state champs.”
Last year, the Weslaco Panthers went 11-2 and reached the third round of the playoffs.
After the action Stroman stressed attitude and effort with a little discipline and toughness as keys to the team’s success.
“Their effort has looked really, really, really well,” Stroman said. “We will see. Hopefully, the effort continues on for the next 30 minutes of practice.”
Weslaco East also reached the playoffs last year before being bounced in the first round. But the playoffs are nothing new to Weslaco East as they have reached the postseason five out of the past nine years.
“We are getting ready for our first game,” Weslaco East tight end Mario Trevino said. “Discipline is the main key here at camp, so we are going to go on from there.”
The cross-town rivals will meet Nov. 1, for the annual Tinaco Bowl.
Last year Weslaco edged Weslaco East, 23-21.
Before that, Burgett is focused on beating the Manor Mustangs in the Wildcats’ first game of the season.
“The kids worked hard, and they worked hard all summer,” Burgett said. “Now our goal is to beat Manor. They are one of the best teams in the Austin area.”
He said they are going to have their hands full.
“But we are going to go up there and play Weslaco East football,” Burgett said.