The numbers were good for the first week of the Salem High School Football Camp, and despite last week’s high temps which altered start times, the Tigers got much accomplished according to head coach Neal Myers.
Around 50 Salem players in grades 9-12 attended last week’s camp session. Myers figures 10 to 15 other players are missing camp due to work, farming or vacation schedules.
“We expect about 60 for the first practice,” said Myers, entering his third season as Tiger head coach.
Camp was to continue Monday through Friday of this week and conclude with sessions Monday through Thursday next week, with camp times possibly being adjusted due to the heat. Following the camp sessions the Tigers are slated to compete in the full-contact St. Clair Team Camp Friday, Aug. 1.
Following the St. Clair event, the Tigers break until the first day of fall practice, which is set for Monday, Aug. 11. The first week of practice is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Salem High football practice area. And Friday, Aug. 15 practice will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m., with a parent meeting following at 7 p.m.
Salem will hold a controlled scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8:30-11 a.m. at Schuchardt Stadium.
The Tigers are to compete in the Sullivan Jamboree Friday, Aug. 22 and officially open the 2025 schedule by hosting St James Friday, Aug. 29, with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Schuchart Stadium. Salem then plays at Linn Sept. 5 before opening South-Central Association play Sept. 12 at Houston.
Thus far in offseason work and in camp Myers has been pleased in the improvement he’s seen in the Tiger players. Salem finished 2-8 last season.
“They are stronger this year by far,” Myers said of the players. “It’s the strongest, most athletic group we’ve had since I’ve been here.
“The first week (of camp) went really well. The kids are flexible as far as the timing has been. If they stay on that road as far as the buy-in possibilities, we’ll see good things.”
In addition to adding some talented incoming freshmen to the roster, some upperclassmen who didn’t play last year are attending camp sessions as well. With those new players, the Tigers have seemingly increased their talent and depth.
“I think the new kids, as well as the returners, are all learning at a very good speed,” Myers said. “It’s something we’ve worked to focus on. Working on some finer details is what we’re trying to do, and the kids have picked up on it.
“The two biggest areas (that have shown improvement) is the offensive line; we had a couple of kids who came out that were pleasant surprises. They’ve added some nice size. That and the age and growth in maturity. The linemen have added size and depth, and there are a couple of other kids we may not see until August. But they could come out and make a difference. Also, I think the secondary shows a great deal of promise.”
Myers is hopeful that the coaching staff can bring the Tiger freshmen along slowly and keep the bulk of the group together at the junior varsity, or freshman, level.
“We have a young class, this year’s ninth graders, that is a nice group,” Myers said. “We’d like to keep them together and just be freshmen as much as possible.”
There is another group of possible player additions the Tigers could add in the next few seasons.
A new Missouri law (Senate Bill 63) allows homeschool students to participate in public high school activities, including sports, through the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Students receiving instruction at a homeschool, full-time virtual school or a full-time private education program can participate in activities offered by the public school district in which they reside, providing they meet certain criteria. Last week MSHSAA released a statement announcing its compliance and implementation strategy following the passage of the bill. Such students will be referred to as ‘resident participant students.’ Full rule changes will take effect Aug. 25, upon ballot certification.
Member schools of MSHSAA must approve the special ballot, and MSHSAA will allow relief for resident participant students from current by-laws for early participation to coincide with the beginning of the upcoming fall sports season.
“Our phones started ringing around June 15,” Myers said of the homeschool law. “I think we have four or five (homeschool students) already in the team camp. That tells me there are other kids out there who are athletic and can play the game. For us, I think it could be a big positive.”
