Preparing for a shortened high school football season continues throughout the local area.

The Wynyard Golden Bears was another team that hit the field for the first time this past Monday. With the COVID-19 Pandemic impacting the fitness level of some athletes, head coach Morris Sokul looks to get the team back into shape.

"We just want to continue to push them every day at practice and to encourage them to do physical activity on their weekends and spare time," said Sokul.

Last season the Golden Bears were able to make their way to the 2A Six-Man Provincial Final against the Hafford Vikings. With a heartbreaking 86-20 loss to end the 2019 campaign, Wynyard looks to reset after losing six veteran players to graduation.

"We're rebuilding all stages of our offense and defense this year. We are a much younger team, but still optimistic. We're seeing young kids taking on leadership roles quickly."

During practice, social distancing is being implemented on the sidelines at all times and only five players are allowed to gear up in the change room at a time. As for the coaches, their physical contact with players is eliminated as masks are worn each practice.

Wynyard is in a mini-league with Raymore and two different Foam Lake teams for the 2020 season.