The TMI Panthers are looking forward to a challenging season, but their coach says they’re well-prepared.

The varsity football team of TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas boasts five returning offensive and six returning defensive starters, says Head Coach Ted Costanzo. “Coaches are extremely excited about the 2014 team,” he says, “Each of our players contributes greatly to the team’s success, including Markell Henderson as running back, DeAndre Wilson as receiver, Will Cruse and Weston Cleveland as quarterbacks and Zach Evers and Chris Lopez on the line.”

During the summer, his players took part in weekly 7-on-7 games, culminating in a series of preseason scrimmages. Costanzo and his coaching staff attended a Texas Football Coaches Association coaching school, studying offensive and defensive systems as well as injury prevention and hydration and nutrition issues.

Two-a-day practices started the first week in August, and the team’s preparation already shows. “Our offensive is sporting an improved passing game, while defense continues its downhill assault,” says Costanzo. “We are confident that this team will be an exciting one to watch as we take on another Division II schedule.”

The Panthers’ first regular-season game will be Aug. 29 against St. Anthony’s Catholic High School, also the first of five home games.
“The best thing about coaching at TMI is the fine young men,” says Costanzo. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to be able to work with these exceptional student-athletes. They are committed to each other and to playing the game with class, effort and discipline, on and off the field.”