Unsung

As Hart High football players participated in a 6 a.m. workout on Wednesday morning, injured player Micaiah Underwood was given an important task — flying the team’s drone to take video. He had been trained by head coach Jake Goossen.

When an alarm went off alerting low battery, Underwood calmly manipulated the controls to bring the drone down — though it briefly went so high that teammates were joking it was out of control.

Managers make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for football players to eat after practices.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Every head coach needs to delegate responsibilities and rely on others to help him focus on getting his team ready, and three important positions in 2025 are drone operator, manager and athletic trainer.

Every program needs one of each.

At a City Section school earlier this week, three managers were making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for players to eat after practices. At another school, the athletic trainer was taping ankles and roaming the field in case of an emergency. For those teams without athletic trainers, coaches were forced to take on the task.

Coaches kept handing out their keys to managers to retrieve or open something.

Managers and trainers have been around for years, but drone operators are new. At Hart, they have to pay special attention to hawks. Seriously, Hart had a drone disabled by a hawk. Now there are spotters to make sure no hawks are nearby. After all, Hart’s new nickname is the Hawks and apparently the real hawks like flying drones.

So everyone say thanks to the drone operators, managers and trainers. They’re unsung helpers every program needs.

Electric bikes lined up at Hart High.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Oh, and one more trend. There are so many players using electric bikes to get to practices perhaps a charging station is next to be added on a program’s football budget.

Weymouth in Dorset has been named as an “unsung beach town” despite its stunning beach and range of activities on offer, making it a great place to visit this summer

As the summer season approaches, many are eager to unwind on a beautiful beach, and the good news is that you don’t have to venture far in the UK to find an incredible destination. Weymouth in Dorset, England has previously been hailed by the Guardian as an “unsung beach town” – a hidden gem that’s often overshadowed by its more popular neighbouring resorts.

The publication claimed: “While its wide, sheltered beach is consistently voted among the nation’s favourites, the town itself is often overlooked in favour of its trendier seaside neighbours”.

READ MORE: Vet tells dog owner ‘prepare for the worst’ but 89p-a-day ‘improved condition 100%’

Despite not being the trendiest of spots, Weymouth is a haven for beach enthusiasts, boasting crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and proximity to the breathtaking white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site.

Visitors to Weymouth beach can enjoy an array of activities, from traditional Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides to adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding, reports the Express.

The beach also features a historic promenade, offering stunning coastal views, as well as a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to indulge in a plate of fish and chips after a day soaking up the sun.

Throughout August, a funfair will be setting up shop at Weymouth Beach, bringing with it an array of amusement rides, sideshows, and a dazzling firework display.

Adjacent to the promenade, you’ll find the stunning Greenhill Gardens, boasting spectacular coastal views, vibrant floral displays and a quaint cafe for those seeking a tranquil spot to soak up the sun.

Weymouth beach offers something for everyone, but the town is also renowned for its historic harbour. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s famed as the original entry point of the Black Death into Britain.

The harbour isn’t just a must-visit for history buffs; it’s also visually striking, surrounded by colourful Victorian buildings and boats. It’s an ideal spot for snapping photos or enjoying lunch while taking in the picturesque views.

History enthusiasts and fans of stunning vistas should also consider a trip to Nothe Fort in Weymouth. This well-preserved 18th-century fort houses a museum, a nuclear shelter, and a network of underground tunnels.

Offering breathtaking views of Weymouth Bay, the fort also hosts guided tours and special events throughout the year, including ghost hunts, making it a fantastic place to visit.

Nature lovers will also be drawn to Weymouth’s Radipole Lake Nature Reserve. Nestled in the heart of the town, this wildlife sanctuary features nature trails where visitors can spot a variety of bird species, otters, and more.

Additionally, the serene Bennetts Water Gardens offers a Japanese-style garden boasting an impressive collection of water lilies scattered across numerous ponds, lakes and streams within the grounds.

Visitors can embark on a guided boat tour through the gardens, explore the museum, and even indulge in afternoon tea at a cafe with picturesque views of the gardens for a truly scenic lunch.

Regardless of your holiday preferences, Weymouth has something to offer everyone. Despite not being as well-known as other neighbouring towns, it boasts an incredibly beautiful beach, making it an ideal destination for a summer visit.