Football season doesn't officially start for another two-and-a-half weeks.

But don't tell the Dolores Bears football team.

"We've been going since February," coach Chris Trusler said as he watched players run routes last week during the team's workout.

Starting in February, Dolores players arrived at school at 6:00 a.m. to lift weights before classes.

They have continued to work this summer during football camp and 7-on-7 scrimmages, as well as speed and strength training every weekday at 5:00 p.m.

Complying with CHSAA regulations, all offseason training is voluntary, so the athletes are not required to participate.

Instead of putting themselves through conditioning drills under the beating sun, students could have chosen to escape the heat and simply relax at home playing video games.

But they didn't.

The significance is not lost on Trusler.

"They've got to buy into the program and buy into the system," he said. "And they have. These kids have worked really, really hard."

Trusler credits his players' commitment to working out during the offseason as a contributing factor for the team's improvement.

After a 1-7 finish during Trusler's first year in 2013, the Bears improved to 4-5 last season. And he expects the team to be better this year.

The Bears will continue voluntary speed and strength training throughout the summer until practice officially begins on August 17.

Then, Trusler will put players through two-a-day practices beginning at 5:00 a.m.

And they won't be voluntary.

But Trusler will likely see the same sweaty faces he's seen since February: The group of committed athletes working hard to improve - even when they don't have to.