A new school year means new beginnings and a new set of recruits for the Aggie Athletics program.

The volleyball team for one has seen an increase in recruits. On Aug. 24, the volleyball team held a scrimmage before their first game, utilizing seven returnees and eight freshmen. The scrimmage presented A&T’s volleyball team an opportunity to prepare for their first game against St. Peters College in the Western Carolina Catamount Classic. When the 2011-2012 season began, the team’s roster consisted of only six players. This year’s team contains 15 players.

The football team has also seen an increase in recruits. Approximately 28 freshmen have been added to the roster this season. Their first game will be held in Conway, S.C. against Coastal Carolina this Saturday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. Although some sports have not finalized their rosters for the start of their season, many teams still have had a very large increase with recruits, such as the track team.

The loss of graduating seniors left spaces on the team to be filled which brought recruits, specifically for the Woman’s track and field as well as cross-country teams. Although many recruits on the team are freshman, some are recruits from Methodist College that Coach Duane Ross brought with him as he took on the new head coaching position.

Junior Brittani Morris, a Coach Ross recruit, said, “As a new recruit it’s a culture shock. My classes require more independence. I like all of my teammates. Because [A&T] is a Division I school, I feel as if my team can help me get better; I’ve adapted very well so far, no struggles.”

The Men’s and Women’s first cross country meet will be held in Durham, N. C. against N.C. Central University for their annual Aggie vs. Eagle relay.

The swimming team kicked off their season last week with seven new freshman recruits competing in the Western Carolina Classic, in Cullowhee N.C. Their next swim meet will be today against Elon College in Elon, N.C.

The Bowling team does not start their season until October but has added five new bowlers.

The coaches have worked hard during preseason, training camps, and practices with their recruits as well as returning players and are ready for this 2012-2013 season against their opponents.

–[email protected] and follow @ATRegister on Twitter

• Meagan Jordan, Contributor