In what has become a growing tradition across the country — including in Iowa — the STC football program officially kicked off their season with a midnight first practice on Monday, Aug. 11. Often dubbed ‘Midnight Madness’ by many schools, teams in Iowa were able to legally practice for the first time on the 11th. STC participated in the event by hosting their practice under the lights at the high school football field.

It was around 70 degrees at midnight when the Trojans took the field. Welcoming them were a group of the players’ parents and siblings who had gathered to show their support. Following their warmups and stretches, the team broke into offensive units in order to run through drills. Following a team meeting, the group enjoyed breakfast that was served to them at around 2:30 in the morning.

STC will continue to practice for the upcoming season over the course of the next week. On Friday, Aug. 22, the Trojans will travel to West Marshall high school for their annual preseason scrimmage. On that evening, the Frosh team will compete at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Varsity team at 6:30 p.m. The Trojans will officially open their season on Aug. 29 against Vinton-Shellsburg at the South Tama high school football field.

STC’s schedule will follow with: Union (Sept. 5 at La Porte City); Louisa-Muscatine (Sept. 12 at Letts); Albia (Sept. 19 at home; Homecoming); Prairie City Monroe (Sept. 26 at home); Centerville (Oct. 3 at Centerville), Pella Christian (Oct. 10 at home), and Davis County, Bloomfield (Oct. 17 at Bloomfield).