Varsity Football Begins Prep for Season

Commack High School's varsity football team begins their season on August 16 – with workouts and field practices. They have a summer weight-lifting schedule and volunteer at the Cougar Camps to stay in shape, according to coach Chris Mele. 

Mele is one of several varsity coaches working with Commack High School this year. He is also a physical education teacher. There are no Cougar Camps to keep the high school athletes in shape, however many do volunteer, according to Mele. 

"We have summer weight-lifting to keep athletes in shape," Mele said. The program begins on August 16, with two sessions, as per Section XI's guidelines. Section XI is Suffolk County's high school sports division. 

"We have a practice from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. and then 5 p.m. – whenever we can stay on the field," Mele said. Athletes are not allowed to practice during the hottest part of the day – from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – due to heat restrictions provided by the Section XI team guidelines. The heat restrictions are placed on all teams until the first two weeks of Sept., Mele said. 

The first "game" for varsity is the scrimmage against Smithtown West, the second Saturday after practices begin, Mele said. The game should take place on August 28. 

The first official game of the 2010-2011 season is on Sept. 7. A complete schedule can be found on Section XI's website.