It’s been a long summer, but as the Pacelli tennis team took the court in Lake City Monday, it brought the official start to the Prep Fall Sports season.

It couldn’t come fast enough.

There’s always a feeling of excitement and optimism around the start of a season, especially in the fall when coaches and athletes have had a long three months to anticipate this year.

There are few area teams who could shake things up this year.

First and foremost, watch out for the Austin boys soccer team. They went out strong last year and bring back a dedicated group of seniors, many of whom have played varsity for three years.

Some of them took home a U17 state title over the summer and they look poised to be fighting for a state berth.

The Austin swimming team should also be psyched up.

They took second in Section 1A last season and return four state qualifiers.

There’s definitely a buzz of anticipation coming from the Lyle/Pacelli football team.

Last year’s return specialist Cody Meyer is taking over at quarterback. From watching practice last week, I can tell you Meyer is going to make defenses think.

Do they drop back to focus on receivers Brady Stier and Michael Lonergan, or stay focused on Meyer’s speed in the backfield?

You know the LeRoy/Ostrander volleyball team is feeling pumped.

They, much like Austin’s boys soccer team, bring back a strong core that have played together since they were sophomores.

The Cards have put together back-to-back 20 win seasons, and this could be a better year than both of those runs.

The Blooming Prairie football team is also motivated.

After losing the Section 1A title game for the past two years, is this finally there year?

They lost a strong group of seniors, but you never know what new players are going to bring.

And the Southland football team has to be feeling good. Two years ago they went undefeated, last year wasn’t so strong.

But with a lot of size and athleticism coming back, this new group of Rebels will look to make their mark.

With all this optimism in the air, it’s time to sit back and relax. And enjoy another sports season.