SECTION IV FOOTBALL: TIOGA'S AIELLO EXCITED TO BE BACK ON FIELD, LOOKING TO INCREASE JV NUMBERS (18 PHOTOS) (2019-08-19)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER "” Nick Aiello began his 10th season as head coach at Tioga this morning, and he's just as excited to get a new season started as ever. The Tigers' numbers, however, have him a bit concerned.
"It always feels good to be back on the field. It's been a great summer.
"For us to be back out here in just helmets and walking through things, it slows it down for us for a little bit, but it's great to be back out here," said Aiello. "These kids are ready to roll, that's for sure."
The Tigers had 38 players in uniform Monday morning.
"Our numbers are a little slim," said Aiello. "We're at 38 this morning, but we're still working on that.
"We're disappointed with our JV numbers right now," noted Aiello. "We have a great sophomore class, a lot of talent and a lot of players there... our freshmen class is just small in number of boys in general. I think there are only low 20s in the entire grade.
"We have to do something about our JV numbers because I don't want sophomores standing on the sidelines," added Aiello. "We have a couple of kids we're going to call to try to bump those JV numbers up a bit."
Aiello and the Tigers were greeted by wet fields this morning, following severe storms and heavy rains Sunday afternoon. He noted last year's preseason was the wettest he remembers.
"The fields were wet this morning, there was some standing water in some places," he said. "If we get any less rain than last year, it will be a better preseason."
The Tigers graduated a strong senior class, but Aiello notes this group put in a strong summer of work.
"(The graduation losses) really just effected the sense of urgency to get kids in (the weight room) during the summer, and they were fantastic about that, especially our guys up front," said Aiello.
"Most of our linemen, I can't remember them missing many workouts at all," added Aiello. "It definitely shows on Day 1, even in the little things they were able to pick up over the summer. We were able to hit the ground running with some offensive install."
The biggest focus of preseason camp, notes Aiello, is conditioning.
"Right now, we're running, but once we get the pads on we have to get these guys into hitting shape because we (open the season) with two big games against physical teams.
"Mental toughness is really one of our big goals because we feel that's something we need to improve on as we move on and prepare for the first two weeks," Aiello said.
Aiello is also using the preseason to prepare his team for the new 40-second play clock.
"We always try to rep as many plays as we can. If anything, it may lead us to being a little more up-tempo during games," he said. "Other than that, it's just a matter of getting in and getting out of the huddle. I don't think it will make that big of a difference for us."
Tioga, along with O-M / Watkins Glen, will scrimmage at Owego Saturday morning.
"”"”"”"”"”"”
PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
