It's an exciting time of the year, as things begin to perk back up after summer vacations, and thoughts turn toward a new school year and great activities and events.

This last week for the "Boys of Fall" (the Dexter Bearcat football crew) to have football camp each evening at the sports complex.

Drivers passing by Bland Stadium could see the young guys and the coaching staff hard at work. It was a week filled with hard work in near unbearable heat as the team prepares for the 2011 season of Bearcat football.

As a way to celebrate the end of football camp, a number of Bearcat fans organized a special barbecue for the team and staff at the conclusion of Friday's practice.

As guys came off the practice field hot and tired after an extremely tough practice, they were treated to a "Summer Spectacular" of hamburgers, hotdogs, fresh grilled sweetcorn and all the fixin's. This was the perfect ending to the grueling hours of preparation for the 2011 football season.

The Football 'Cats have worked hard all summer in the weightroom and running. Yesterdays practice was the culmination of increases to the running program as the team performed 10 sets of 200 yard sprints.

"It (the practice) really shows who has been working because it's hot and tough out here." says coach Aaron Pixley.

The barbecue crowd gathered early at the end of the track adjacent to the Field House to prepare the evening's meal. Helping with the Bearcat Barbecue were:

"The boys have really looked forward to this all summer" commented head coach Aaron Pixley. "We really appreciate the support of all the people that make this possible".

The crowd "chowed down" on the extra thick and juicy burgers and the hot dogs, ate fresh "peaches & cream" sweet corn grown by the Christian Church Youth group, and really savored the sweet, cold watermelon.

It was a meal "enjoyed by all" and a meal worthy of great Bearcat athletes!

As the young Bearcat men prepared to go home after an evening of football and Bearcat Barbecue, they could be seen standing in line to shake the hands and thank the folks who made their barbecue possible.

GO BEARCATS!