There is a saying that makes the rounds through the Monsignor Edward Pace High School Spartan football team: “The grind never stops.”
The Spartan football team started off-season workouts on June 16, just two weeks after school ended. Players focused on weight training and conditioning. Off-season workouts ended on August 1, but there were only three days of rest. On August 4, the team returned for their first day of official practice for the school year.
The “grind” is a regular part of head coach Mario Smith’s routine; he has been working closely with offensive coordinator Anthony Walker and the other coaches to prepare the team for the new season.
For Smith, a Pace Class of 1992 graduate, the football program should instill not only athletic prowess, but also help the team build character, discipline, and spirituality. He hopes that the team develops a sense of unity and cohesiveness by learning how to work together to accomplish goals.
“[I expect players] to get a great learning experience, to play at a high caliber, and advance to the next level,” said Smith. He added that he wants to ensure that players are “mentally and physically prepared and spiritually endowed.”
“We’re getting bigger, faster, and stronger every week. Coach Smith’s program really works,” said senior Anderson Millias, an offensive tackle who has played with the team throughout all of his four years at Pace. “I wouldn’t be the football player I am today without him.”
The Spartan varsity football team will play their second home game on Friday, September 5, against Chaminade-Madonna College Prep at 7 p.m. at Jones Field on the Pace campus. Admission is $5 or free with a Pace student ID. Visit pacehs.com/sports for more information.