News Photo by Jonny Zawacki Alpena High School football players participate in a drill during the program's annual team camp on Thursday at the Alpena High School practice fields.

It has been another busy summer for the Alpena High School football program. 

Along with daily workouts, the Wildcats have attended multiple camps, held their own for future Wildcats and were wrapping up the program’s annual team camp on Thursday.

“This camp is for us to kind of just get refreshed and go back through everything. We’ve been working on the fundamentals and (want to) see where everyone is at,” Alpena coach Aaron Sims said. “The great thing is that all of these guys have put in time, so it’s not like it’s the first time we’ve seen each other. The kids have been working hard all summer.”

The Wildcats definitely look the part with less than a month to go before Alpena hosts Escanaba in the season opener.

The time spent in the weight room this offseason will be noticed as the program is filled with football players that look the part.

“This is a class A school district and we are a class A school. This isn’t a program where you can just show up in the fall and play the game,” Sims said. “It’s been a process for us and the kids have bought into what we’re doing here. They are all dedicated and my guys are awesome.”

With the four day team camp concluding on Thursday, the Wildcats are just a few days away before high school football practices begin on Aug. 6.

“These guys have been working hard and we’re going to test and see where everyone is at after this eight week cycle over the summer and we’re going to have some fun doing it,” Sims said. “You’re going to see guys this season that love being being in the program and playing the game. These kids are going to play with fanatical effort and lay it on the line for the team, the school and the community. You can’t ask for much more than that and we’re excited to keep working hard.”

James Andersen can be reached via email at sports@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5694. Follow James on Twitter @ja_alpenanews.