It's time to grind ... Trojan Strong!
Dear MDI Football players and families,
This site frames the engagement we would like to have with players and parents through the summer months as we approach the planned start of the 2020 football season. Because of Coronavirus, as has been the case, we cannot provide guarantees about the specific dates, possible start of the season, or if we will have a season as it is currently scheduled. What we do know is that we need to prepare for the season ... "Control what we can control", as Coach Braun always reminds us.
Players are expected to check their email regularly throughout the summer (daily). They should also be mindful to attend the scheduled sessions (see below) or are expected to contact Coach Arnold ( marnold@mdirss.org ) in advance if they are not able to attend. Summer training and events are not mandatory, but they are highly encouraged to properly prepare for the coming season. This is even more important now because of the lack of connection we have had over recent months and the physical loss all players have suffered due to the cancellation of Spring sports activities.
It's time to get active and get prepared for special 2020 season!
We will use Zoom to facilitate player meetings (see meeting schedules below). To prepare for Zoom meetings, make sure you have a Zoom account created ... and download the Zoom desktop client on your computer and/or smartphone (downloads linked below). Test Zoom with a teammate or friend to make sure you can get in and are at least familiar with the basics for participating in a virtual Zoom meeting. Below are a couple helpful tutorials ...
See: How to Use Zoom Mobile App for Free Video Conferences
See: How to Use Zoom - Free Video Conferencing & Virtual Meetings
You should also have a notepad handy to take notes!
Make sure to be on-time to the scheduled meetings or email Coach Arnold in advance if you cannot attend a meeting.
TRAINING WORKOUT
Anyone planning to play football should already be engaged in a regular training program to prepare for the upcoming season. We have developed a workout program that athletes can engage in without weights or access to our school training facilities. We urge all players to follow this program if they are not engaged in a structured training program, until we are hopefully able to work with them in person at the high school (starting on July 6, 2020).
Click on image above to access workouts.
June 15 through July 5, 2020
SENIOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Seniors play a vital role in the leadership of any team. We know that their leadership will play the most significant factor in the strength of our team and in the lasting bonds and value that all players will derive from participating in our program. During these sessions we will seek to educate our seniors with regard to the hopes and expectations our program holds for senior leaders. We will also begin to provide opportunities to build on this learning as they engage the other players on our team ... and start to shape the TEAM.
MEETING SCHEDULE
Monday, June 8 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Monday, June 15 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Monday, June 22 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Monday, June 29 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Players will be emailed invitations, agendas, and join information at least 24-hours in advance of scheduled meetings.
TEAM TRAINING CAMP (VIRTUAL)
Summer training camp is intended emphasize the importance of being active and preparing for the coming season, as well as serve to motivate players to begin focusing on specific football skill related training. It is also about building the foundations of our TEAM - with an emphasis on players connecting and engaging each other to form a shared bond and commitment between teammates. This work will include weekly team and squad challenges to help build players' competitive spirit. Coaches will also engage players to form a clear understanding of the underlying values and expectations we hold for everyone in our program.
MEETING SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 4 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Thursday, June 18 (5:00-6:00 PM) See: AGENDA
Thursday, June 25 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Thursday, July 2 (5:00-6:00 PM)
Players will be emailed invitations, agendas, and join information at least 24-hours in advance of scheduled meetings.
FRESHMAN - TEAM ORIENTATION
We are excited to welcome new players and families into the MDI Trojan Football family! This is an important transition period in the life of a student-athlete. It is also a time that many are anxious about for a variety of reasons. We will meet individually with each of our incoming players and their family and these sessions are intended to ease some of the anxiety and orient players to the team. It will also allow parents the opportunity to meet our coaching staff and ask questions. We take great pride in the opportunity to partner with families to help reinforce values that will serve to enrich and empower our players long after the game is over and they move on in the world.
FRESHMAN - TEAM ORIENTATION
Tuesday, June 23 (6:30-7:30 PM)
Thursday, June 30 (6:30-7:30 PM)
Players and parents will be emailed invitations, agendas, and join information at least 24-hours in advance of scheduled meetings.
July 6 through August 16, 2020
The Maine Principal's Association has released guidelines that would allow us to begin working with players in-person starting on Monday, July 6th. It is still unclear how many players can work together simultaneously, what specific activities will be permitted, and if our school facilities will be reopened at that time. We expect to receive those details soon and will communicate that information, as it becomes available, here on this site and in our virtual meetings with players.