Kicking off the new athletic year at our school is the fall sports lineup. With many of the most important teams starting within these last weeks, it has been an exciting start to the season. Hopefully, the teams will give our student body a reason to cheer and they will be able to revive the currently dormant Viper Pride.

Similar to their professional counterpart, the Miami Dolphins, this year’s football team is revamped, ready to compete and hungry for some victories. Under coach Rod Payne both varsity and junior varsity have trained for the upcoming year.

Being the predominant sport, football may cast a shadow over other teams this season, but according to football coach Rod Payne, “Football is the strength of the team but everyone needs to support each other.” To answer critics and doubters who say the team has not changed over the course of Payne’s tenure, coach simply says “I’m a winner,” leaving no doubts about his dedication and the team’s chances.

In the pool, our Vipers hope to follow Michael Phelps’ example in winning and live up to the minor excitement generated by the small swimming community. They are loaded with talent and potential and probably the best team you’ve never heard of.

Cross country, golf and bowling are teams that are trying to balance youth and experience to win over fans and help our school fulfill it’s potential.

All sports teams have spent hours preparing on and off the field, hoping to continue Varela’s dominance as one of the elite athletic programs in Miami-Dade county. There has yet to be a year since the school’s beginning when Varela has not been in the top eight programs in the county; an incredible achievement that is sure to continue into 2008-2009.

All students are integral to the success of the athletic program. Without the support of the students, these teams will not be able to accomplish what is possible. We, the student body need to swing our full support in school spirit.

“I am very excited about this upcoming year. Varela has been in the top ten sport programs in the county every year since the beginning of Varsity Sports,” said Athletic Director Mr. Andy Chiles. “That is a tribute to the hard work of the athletes and the great coaching staff we have.” Optimistically, Chiles said, “I’m positive we can continue that this year. Hope to see everyone at the games.”