The Thompson Warriors football team hit the ground running Monday, May 3 as spring practice began in preparation for the 2010 season.

The Warriors, who finished 1-9 last season, will practice for three weeks before hosting a spring scrimmage against Sylacauga May 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Thompson head coach Brian Maner said his team, which will include 25 seniors, has been working extremely hard in the weight room during the off-season.

Maner said several new things have been happening around the football program, including the construction of new field house and an effort to renovate Larry Simmons Stadium.

The new field house will include a weight room, coaches’ offices and a locker-room.

“It will be big enough to alleviate some problems we currently have like not having enough space or lockers,” Maner said.

The Alabaster Sports and Entertainment Foundation recently formed to help improve the facilities at the stadium, and the organization aims to raise enough funds to install sprint turf on the football field and new track.

Maner said the effort would go a long way in helping the team compete against other schools in Class 6A Region 6 with the same amenities, including Hoover, Spain Park, Pelham and Vestavia.

“You’ve got to have some resources, but that doesn’t solve everything,” Maner said.

While a new field house and new turf won’t guarantee immediate success, Maner said it would do wonders for the team’s morale.

“Those facilities don’t win ball games, but they sure do build a lot of pride,” Maner said.

Prior to the varsity’s scrimmage against Sylacauga, the Warriors’ will host Red-White day, where the underclass teams and youth leagues will get a chance to show off their skills under the lights of stadium and in front of the big crowds.

The varsity will host Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Aug. 20 in a fall jamboree prior to the opening game Aug. 27 at home against Stanhope Elmore.