Rain, Sweat and Sunscreen: Raiders Prepare for Fall Seasons

Rain welcomed Scotch Plains-Fanwood's Raiders back to training camp Monday. Amid alternating downpours and drizzles that lasted through most of the week, returning members and hopefuls for the boys and girls' soccer teams, cross-country teams, girls' volleyball, girls' tennis and gymnastics practiced drills, played scrimmages and competed for limited slots on each team. 

On the field behind Evergreen Elementary School, the marching band rehearsed its 2010 program, "Generation Millennium." Led by drum majors Amanda Ho, David McNally and Charles Sciara, and color guard captains Jennifer Denman, Nicole Danik, Caitlin Foley, Jessica Moore, Shannon McGovern and Theresa Chrystal, the band practiced first without instruments – focusing exclusively on the choreography – then returned in the afternoon and evening to rehearse the music and gradually combine it with the steps and formations. The band will perform a preview Sept. 9 at the high school's football field.

By Thursday, the sun, blue skies and August had weather returned. Stay tuned to Patch as we add photos of the cross-country teams, gymnastics team and cheerleading squad to the gallery. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks for previews of each fall sports team.