HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Early conditioning key for Xavier soccer teams

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By Shannon Mulcahey, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Xavier soccer teams' preseason practices started with lots of conditioning.Both teams started one week prior to spring break as the coaches tried to ease their players into daily practices.

The girls' team was encouraged to attend a University of Iowa soccer camp held March 17-20 to enhance conditioning.

The boys' team started morning and after school workouts the week before break.The senior girls - Marisa Berutti, Holly Hazelton, Sarah Peot and Marinna Schroud - worked out during the off-season in preparation for spring.

'I've been working out the past couple of months, mainly conditioning and strength training,' Berutti said. 'Some of my teammates and I have gotten together to run.'

These extra conditioning sessions are vital to continue the girls' success from last year's championship.

'There is always the pressure to win,' Peot said. 'You don't want to be known as the team that didn't win a championship after eight years. We are just trying to do everything we can to ensure success.'

As for the boys, senior Jeremy Jacoby is looking forward to this upcoming season.'This season is going to be awesome, because I'm a senior this year,' Jacoby said.

'However, it is bittersweet knowing that this is my last year to experience the Xavier soccer program as it has been incredible so far.'

The boys' team also trained early and independently for this season.

'The remaining varsity players from last year's team put together an indoor team to compete in leagues and tournaments during the off-season,' Jacoby said.

The girls' team is 1-0 and the boys are 1-1. Both teams had games postponed today.