Despite the sweltering heat wave that is currently baking the area, the start of practices for the 2012 high school fall sports seasons are fast approaching.

The first practice date for fall sports in July 27 as girls golf begins. The first practice dates for football (non-contact), volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer and boys tennis are slated for July 30. The first day contact is allowed for prep football teams is Aug. 1.

Area girls golf teams can begin playing matches on July 30. First contest dates for volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer and boys tennis is Aug. 13.

The high school football season kicks off the 2012 campaign on Friday, Aug. 17.  Season openers include Warsaw at Columbia City (7 p.m.), Wawasee at Whitko (7:30), Culver Academy at Tippecanoe Valley (7:30) and Triton at Caston (7).