Polk County Middle School is gearing up for the fall sports season as part of the 2018-19 school year.

Students entering grades 6-8 are eligible to participate in cross country, soccer and volleyball. Football is limited to students in grades 7-8.

Athletes must have a current sport physical before they can try out or practice for any sport. Sports physicals are good for one year.

In addition, parents and athletes must complete a concussion information form before participating. Concussion forms and sports physical forms are available at the school office.

Those with questions regarding a sport or the status of a sports physical may contact the school at 828-894-2215.

A handful of summer activities have also been scheduled for various sports. Below is an update on each sport’s summer plans, as well as schedules and information for the start of practice in August.

FOOTBALL

Practice will begin Aug. 6 from 8-10:30 a.m. and continue at that time for the week at Utz Field.

Summer workouts will be held Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. Workouts typically last 90 minutes.

Arrangements may be made to workout at 9 a.m. if needed. These workouts are for rising seventh and eighth graders.

Anyone interested may email Coach Ethan Edwards at eedwards@polkschools.org for more information.

CROSS COUNTRY

Practice will begin Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at Utz Field.

Beginning July 9, Coach Katie Elliott will be leading a summer running club for middle school students. The first meeting will be held at the middle school on July 9 at 7 p.m. At this meeting, Coach Elliott will give more information regarding future meetings and locations for running.

Anyone unable to attend the first run on July 9 may email Coach Elliott at kelliott@polkschools.org for information regarding specifics on other summer runs.

SOCCER (boys)

Tryouts will be Aug. 6–9 from 6-8:30 p.m. Soccer is a “cut” sport, so players are expected to be at all days of tryouts as it would give the best opportunity to make the team.

Coach Lennox Charles will conduct informal pickup soccer days from 5-7 p.m. at Harmon Field on July 10, 12, 24 and 26.

Anyone interested may email Coach Charles at lcharles@polkschools.org for more information.

VOLLEYBALL (girls)

Tryouts will be Aug 6–8 from 9-11 a.m. at the middle school gym. Volleyball is a “cut” sport, so players are expected to be at all days of tryouts, as it would give the best opportunity to make the team.

Anyone interested may email Coach Matt Russell at mrussell@polkschools.org for more information.

CHEERLEADING

Camp will be Aug. 13–15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Polk County Middle School.

Anyone interested may email Coach Lacy Montgomery at lacymorgan7@gmail.com for more information.

– Submitted by PolkSports.com