Sports as an extension of the learning environment took on new meaning as the Grunts from Father Vincent Capodanno High School tackled a grueling obstacle course on their new property in Vass, off NC-690. The weeklong football camp recently ended and saw 23 Grunt footballers push themselves to new limits and grow as a cohesive team.
“I did not want to get into that pond!” said senior and team captain Sam Attar. “But it’s about being a team and sticking together through hard challenges for the Win.”
Capodanno footballers negotiate a murky body of water on their new Vass property.
“This camp culminates a summer of intense weight training and postures us for a highly competitive season,” said Head Coach Aaron Hartley. “We’ve brought in some talented coaches with a combined seventy years of experience. We’re entering the North Carolina Independent School Athletics Association’s Big Eight Conference with a very real chance for a playoff berth and maybe even advance well into the post-season.”
The Grunts will play five regular season home games in downtown Southern Pines this year.
“We’ve entered into a valuable partnership with Moore Montessori Community School,” said Capodanno’s Director of Development and Leadership instructor Joshe Raetz. “We’re eager to team with Montessori teachers and students in a variety of mutually beneficial ways. We’re planning to run obstacle courses and various outdoor activities, as well as provide in-class mentorship between our students. Montessori is providing Capodanno use of their football field and gymnasium for home volleyball and basketball. Friday night lights in downtown Southern Pines and leadership interactions between Capodanno and Montessori students is a Win-Win.”
Coach Tim Jennings relays to the boys his own experiences with resiliency and teamwork.
Father Capodanno’s volleyball starts the season with a 6 p.m. Aug. 8 home game at Moore Montessori vs. Fayetteville’s Northwest Baptist Academy.
“Our Volleyball team and Girls and Boys Basketball teams will be competing this year in the Central Carolina Christian Conference,” said Capodanno Athletic Director Andy Attar. “What a great opportunity to now have all our team sports eligible for post-season play.”
Father Capodanno’s football season kicks off with a Friday 1 p.m. matinee home opener vs. Bellhaven’s Pungo Christian Academy on Aug. 18 at Moore Montessori Community School.
Feature photo: Grunts take on log physical training.
Courtesy photos/Contributed.
