SULLIVAN COUNTY — The end of summer vacation is nearly here, and Varisty student-athletes will be the first to head back to schools as they open practices and begin preparation for the upcoming season.

Section IX allows varsity football players to begin practicing this Monday, August 19. The extra week allows them to condition and train for the gruelling season.

The remaining varsity sports (cross country, cheerleading, soccer, tennis and girls volleyball) can begin practicing on August 26.

The first season of the year is always an intense one, so hitting the ground running before schools open in September is a great way to lock in your skills before the season starts.

This football season is sure to see some changes, with Fallsburg making the jump back to 11-man. Livingston Manor, while merged with Roscoe, was unable to field a team last year and will surely hope to be back in the fold this year.

Sullivan West is coming off a strong Section IX Championship season and will look to repeat that feat this year.

Eldred finished over .500 on the season, and they will likely look to build upon that momentum and earn a playoff appearance this year.

There were a handful of soccer teams to reach Sectionals last year, including Livingston Manor, who won the Section IX Championship.

Volleyball is another sport that has seen increased interest around the county, with both Tri-Valley and Livingston Manor/Roscoe beginning to add teams.

Cross Country has seen a ton of local success in recent years as well, with Tri-Valley runners reaching the podium more often than not in the past decade. Other schools around Sullivan County have similarly sent distance runners to the State Championships.

The end of summer vacation may seem bittersweet to some, but the return to athletic action is sure to bring out the best in our student-athletes.