More than 40 members of Ceres High's varsity football program bonded during a team retreat this past week.
Senior quarterback Chris Lubinsky and the Bulldogs practiced from 3-4:30 p.m. on Friday at Ceres High prior to heading to River Oaks Golf Course for their overnight excursion.
"The whole experience was great," Lubinsky said. "We all had a good time. I hope it's a staple of the program for years to come. It benefitted everyone who attended."
Ceres High coaches and players shared their thoughts during a team-bonding exercise Friday evening.
Lubinsky and Co. formed a circle around Bulldog leaders Bret Durossette, Brett Johnson, Brandon Moring and Ron Megee.
"That was a great opportunity for us to become closer," Chris said. "I talked about how much I enjoy being a part of a high-school football team. I wasn't allowed to play Pop Warner when I was a kid. The coaches talked about the history of the program and what they've been through. I really enjoyed hearing what everybody was thinking. We're all on the same page."
Bulldogs players worked out from 5:45-7 a.m. Saturday morning at River Oaks.
They completed a 2.5-mile run followed by hill sprints on the 10th hole.
Ceres High focused on conditioning, and executed offensive and defensive plays while practicing for two hours (9-11 a.m.) on campus later that day.
"I've never got a chance to be a part of something like this," Lubinsky said. "It was a great experience. It was exhausting but fun."
Ceres High capped its first official week of practice with an overnight retreat.
"Everyone has a common goal in mind," Lubinsky said. "We want to be the team that changes the fortunes of the football program. We have so much potential."