EAST LANSING – Bill Feraco has experienced many first days of training during his long coaching career.
But even as the 77-year-old coach begins his 21st season leading East Lansing’s football program, concerns still linger.
“We just have to make sure we have everything ready to start. And usually the same thing happens as today. In the end, we took 11 minutes longer than we wanted,” said Feraco.
Although Feraco is a little nervous, there was also plenty of excitement among the Trojans on Monday as they officially began practice on the turf at Lynn C. Adams Stadium in bright sunshine.
“We’re really excited and can’t wait to get started,” said Darryle Geter III, a senior receiver and defensive back from East Lansing who is under contract to Grand Valley State. “We’re just focused on Week 1.”
Monday was the official practice day for all high school fall sports teams in Greater Lansing and across the state, and East Lansing begins its preparations with high expectations after a strong 2023 season in which it finished as CAAC Blue champions, won district and regional championships, and made it to the Division 2 semifinals.
The Trojans finished 10-3, their most wins in a season since 2001, when they won 11 games.
“This is the last time and the last chance to do this (in high school),” said Jace Clarizio, a senior running back from East Lansing and a Michigan State freshman. “I’m really excited and have high hopes for the season. We have a lot of returning starters and a lot of juniors coming back as seniors now. I’m really excited.”
Although East Lansing accomplished a lot last fall and has talented players like Clarizio and Geter returning, Feraco is making sure his team is not resting on its laurels.
“We have to understand that what was done last year was last year,” Feraco said. “Success doesn’t necessarily lead to success, but it is a roadmap that tells you what you need to do to improve. Then it’s about implementing those things and internalizing all that so that now there is a greater sense of urgency, more pace and a better sense of what can be achieved.”
Contact Brian Calloway at [email protected]. Follow him on X @brian_calloway.
