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    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Outdoors»Opening day in photos: Marking the first day of fall activities
    Outdoors

    Opening day in photos: Marking the first day of fall activities

    By Ryan WilliamsonAugust 17, 2021Updated:August 17, 20213 Mins Read
    EPHS volleyball players practicing on Aug. 16, 2021
    EPHS volleyball players began work at their first practice of the 2021-22 season on Aug. 16.

    The summer of 2021 is coming to a close, whether you like it or not. Another sign of that came Aug. 16 on the bustling Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) campus.

    Eden Prairie teams and activities joined schools across Minnesota to celebrate the first day of fall practices. Football, soccer, dance team, color guard, volleyball and others began practicing in preparation for the beginning of the fall season, which begins before the end of August for most teams.

    An EPHS football player took a drink of water after practice on Aug. 16, 2021.
    One EPHS football player took a drink of water following the first day of football for the 2021 season. Photos by Ryan Williamson.

    With temperatures in the 80s and humidity rising, it was a warm day with a few needed water breaks.

    But after the 2020 fall season was cut short, these athletes appear to be looking forward to what looks like a more traditional fall season.

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    EPHS football player huddled after the first day of practice Aug. 16.
    EPHS sophomore football players huddled after the first day of fall practice.

    For these athletes, this will be their first full fall season since 2019. The Eagles football team, nor any other squad, had a chance to make a run all the way through to compete for a state title. The varsity team finished with an unbeaten record.

    EPHS’ boys’ and girls’ soccer teams did not get a shot at competing for a state championship last year because that tournament was canceled.

    While the boys made it to the section final before falling to Edina, the girls’ struggled under first-year coach Kelly Taylor. The Eagles look to rebound with a more normal preseason.

    EP girls soccer players practices Aug. 16, 2021 in preparation for their first game on Aug. 26 versus Prior Lake.
    Just 10 days before its season opener on Aug. 26 against Prior Lake, the EP girls’ soccer team took the field at Aerie Stadium for the squad’s first practice.

    EPHS’ girls’ volleyball teams in Minnesota faced a strange 2020 season.

    After an early October start, the season came to an abrupt ending in November, leaving teams without a postseason.

    Eden Prairie finished the season with an 8-4 record and was third in the Lake Conference.

    EPHS volleyball players practiced in the main gym on Aug. 16, 2021.
    EPHS volleyball players in the EPHS main gym on Aug. 16
    for the first practice of the 2021 season.

    Sports are not the only part of high school life affected by the pandemic.

    The EPHS marching band and color guard had to adjust last year given fewer opportunities.

    Just feet away from Aerie Stadium, members of the color guard could be seen stretching and preparing for the upcoming season.

    EPHS color guard member stretched before practice on Aug. 16, 2021.
    Get ready to see the EPHS fall color guard and marching band this fall at Aerie Stadium..

    It’s just one more sign that fall in Eden Prairie will look a little bit more normal as EPHS athletics resume action.

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    Previous ArticleBack to school: Supplies for students in need available at school open houses
    Next Article EP students in school five days a week this fall; masks required for younger students

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