When you win a district championship, you certainly gain more attention and that's how it looks for Bethlehem Catholic's football program as the first day of the fall season opened up on Monday.

The Hawks highlight the opening day of the 2014 season in Bethlehem, as they hope to finish off the year with another District 11 3A crown.

Head coach Joe Henrich certainly feels a different sense of excitement as double sessions got underway Monday morning.

"It was a good first day for us," he said. "You always expect a little bit of sloppiness, but the kids were excited and we had two good practices."

The numbers between the junior varsity and varsity programs have also shot up, thanks to a large freshman class a year ago, when the Hawks had 37 players in the program. This year they enter with 56 players, which was a natural progression from a year ago, as well as an added boost thanks to a championship.

"It's a little bit different coming into this season but we felt really good about our team last year too," said Henrich. "We're optimistic about this season as well."

Fourth-year Liberty volleyball coach Missy Lynn is also hopeful that the Hurricanes can pace themselves in the middle of the pack of the newly formed EPC this season on the girls side of action.

Lynn had close to 30 players tryout for the team, as she enters this season with a young squad.

"We have a good core returning, but we are pretty young," she said. "No matter who we have, I'd always like to think that we're going to be fighting for a spot in districts."

First day optimism is always floating around every program this time of year, which is why August practices are the best time of year for fall sports.

"I just think everyone is excited to get back to work and get into a flow," Henrich said. "The kids had off last week and now it's time to work."