Students are preparing to spend the next school year down in the dirt, sweating on the dance floor or showcasing their musical talent.

Tryouts are here and students are auditioning. Sports, choir, dance and many other coaches are in the process of selecting their new teams.

“My expectations, for first timers, are great attitude, unselfishness and willing to work,” head baseball coach Neil Sanchez said.

In some sports, preparation is needed other than visualization of running, playing an instrument or singing. In others, there is a process.

For Gloria Tovar’s Entrelace dance team, students must fill out an audition packet which reviews grades, work effort and attendance. Then Tovar makes a list of who may tryout.

“It’s not for everyone. To most students it’s an outlet and getaway to come in and enjoy themselves but be physically active and creative,” Tovar said.

In baseball coach Neil Sanchez mainly focuses on the students’ running and throwing.

“I focus on speed, stance, swing, throw and self protection,” coach Sanchez said.

There are students who have already dealt with the pressure of their first tryout and continue to stick to their chosen path even if the journey is difficult.

“Not everyone is able to do it so it keeps me going,” junior Fuego member Luis Guerrero said.

Returning members come back to the love of their sport or group as well as to their former teammates.

“We all get along great. We’re all brothers. The team is (like) a second family,” junior football player Genaro Villarreal said.

In sports, it is rare to have a “free” day. So every practice will be hard work put in.

“Whether it’s the lifting or the running that we have to do, it is always a challenge,” Villarreal said.

Freshman basketball player Alexa Rocobo not only endured her first year in a high school sport, she was even the point guard.

“I didn’t want to be in the 9th grade level because I had a higher level than others but they needed a point guard,” Rocobo said.

Despite the difficulties, she will tryout for next year for the higher level.

“Tryouts are gonna be harder next year so I have to prove myself even more,” Rocobo said.

Juniors who will tryout for the same sport they’ve been in since freshman year, recall the feeling they had while preparing for their first tryout.

“Not knowing anyone made this experience much more nerve-wracking. After three days of learning a cheer and dance, I was ready,” cheerleader Alexandra Sanchez said.

Some recall the anxiety they felt on their first tryout.

“A million butterflies entered my stomach along with so many thoughts of what could possibly happen,” Sanchez said.

Students remember step-by-step, specific details of their first tryout experience.

“As soon as my feet hit the gym floor, the adrenaline kicked in and the butterflies? Gone. As soon as the music starts the spirit just flows through you,” Sanchez said.