FAIRHOPE— The newest kids on the high-school sports block have their preseason practices under way and are looking forward to their first contest of 2016. Saint Michael Catholic volleyball and football teams are getting ready for the Cardinals’ inaugural fall opening.

Now playing junior varsity schedules with incoming sophomores and freshmen, the St. Michael athletic program will support varsity-level sports beginning in 2018 in the 3A to 4A classifications in the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

The volleyball team led by head coach Missy Williams has gotten some preseason scrimmages under their belt. And the football Cardinals, led by head coach Scott Phelps began their preseason earlier this week.

The first ever football contest is on the road at Millry Monday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. The first home game is set for Monday, Sep. 26 vs. Chickasaw at W.C. Majors Field (Volanta Park Fairhope) at 6 p.m.

Cardinal volleyball puts the ball up officially Aug. 27 at the Gulf Shores Tournament (Times to be announced). The first-ever home match is set for Sept. 6 hosting the Baker Hornets at St. Michael Gym at 4:30 p.m.

The first Cardinals volleyball team includes: Mary Kate Anthony, 
Sydney Barter, Cameron Blanchard,
Caitlyn Bushaw,
Marissa DeRoy, Tevara Duplessis, Maggie Lollis,
Mary Grace McKeough,
Colette Murphy, Hayden Northcutt,
Katie Ray and Ryan Russo.

The first Cardinals football team includes: Andrew Augostinelli, Michael Brown, Jack Donald, Jeremy DeAngel, Jacob Domning, Will Edminston, Luke Ferrell, Yuriy Greenlay, Trevor Helper, Griffin Mahoney, Timothy Mullek, Grant Murray, Anthony Lazzari, Grant Roberts, Brock Rockstall, Garet Seibt, Cody Shumaker, Carter St. Pierre, David Stroud, Hunter Taylor and Sam Volevecky.