MONROE — The 2023 fall sports season officially kicked off Aug. 1 with the first football practices. 

Monroe football spent the first half of practice testing standards such as 40-meter dash, pro agility and bench press before football drills. The Cheesemakers’ first action will be a scrimmage against New Glarus-Monticello on Friday, Aug. 11. Week 1 of football begins Friday, Aug. 18 with a home game against Beaver Dam.

Darlington girls golf, the only local golf team in the area, starts practice on Monday, Aug. 7 with its first competition on Friday, Aug. 11.

Swimming and girls tennis begin the following day, Aug. 8. Monroe girls tennis travels to East Troy for a two-day tournament Aug. 14-15, while Monroe-New Glarus swimming travels to Baraboo for its first meet on Aug. 29. 

Cross Country, boys soccer and volleyball all begin practice the following week on Monday, Aug. 14. Monroe cross country begins its season with the Bruess Invite on Aug. 28, where Monticello-New Glarus and Albany will also participate. Monroe soccer, under first-year head coach Matt Coplien, starts its season with a road game at River Valley on Aug. 22, while the Monroe volleyball team hosts an invite on Aug. 26. 

For full schedules and previews of the 28 local teams, pick up a copy of the Fall Sports Preview, available Aug. 19.