Truman athletes return early for preseason practices

With the kickoff of a new fall semester comes the start of the 2019-2020 season for many of the Bulldog teams and athletes. Each year many of the athletes return to Kirksville early, either to welcome their incoming freshman class or to prepare for the upcoming season.

 The men’s basketball team is one of many Bulldog programs that returns to campus early to prepare for their upcoming season, and to welcome in their seven new team members. 

“Coming back early gives us a chance to get back into our workout routines, and prepare for the semester,” said redshirt Junior and team captain Turner Scott. When asked about the benefits of returning to campus early Scott said that the first week back on campus is important for the team to bond and improve their chemistry. “We get to talk to our new guys a lot during Truman week as well, and help them settle in and figure out how to manage their first year of college.” 

In addition to getting a head start on the looming semester and season, student athletes attend multiple meetings during Truman week over NCAA athlete compliance and Title IX rules, which are mandated by the NCAA. 

The football, volleyball, and cross country teams will also be in action during Truman week, but with a different purpose. With each of these teams scheduled to have their first contest in early September, they will be laying the groundwork for a successful season. 

“We have two-a-days for the whole week before class starts,” said outside hitter Ellie Kaat on the upcoming volleyball season. “The goal is to fine tune everything now, so that once the season hits we’re playing at a high level and have a big shot at (the) postseason.”

As the 2019-2020 school year draws near, students and student-athletes alike are preparing to pursue another successful year. To prepare with them, and support Truman athletics visit trumanbulldogs.com to purchase season tickets and the 2019-2020 TruPass.