Football is in the air

Practices on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug. 27 and 28) also are scheduled for 5-8 p.m.

Thursday's workout is set for 4-7 p.m., with freshman orientation to follow.

The team resumes the 5-8 p.m. schedule on Friday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 2.

A 7-9 a.m. practice on Saturday, Aug. 31, will focus on special teams play.

To take part in workouts, players must have an up-to-date physical and an insurance information and waiver form on file with the CHS athletics department.

"Without an up-to-date physical, you will not be allowed to practice, and there are no exceptions," Bruins Coach Larry McCutcheon told prospective players in an informational letter sent out last month.

He added this is especially so for incoming freshmen and others new to high school athletics.

Columbia High will be trying to improve on a 2001 season in which it went 7-2, finished second in the Trico League, and advanced to post-season play for the seventh straight season.

So far, things are looking good for the Bruins, who have enjoyed productive spring and summer campaigns in their march toward the start of the regular season.

"It's been a very exciting and successful spring and summer for our football program," noted McCutcheon. "We had record numbers involved in our spring football practices and 51 players attended (summer) camp at Central Washington University."

The Bruins' coaching staff also has been bolstered during the off-season with the addition of Matt Whitmire, who'll coach quarterbacks and defensive backs this year.