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As the Upson-Lee Knights prepare for their 2012 football season, they are also in the midst of their annual Iron Man Competition. Last season, Dontavius “D.T.” Tucker won the Iron Man Competition for the second consecutive year. Tucker became the first ever under class man to win the award the previous year, and the first ever two-time Iron Man.

This season, the title is up for grabs, with many seniors and a few under class men who have a legitimate chance of earning the coveted title of “Iron Man.”

The competition consists of seven different drills or events, and also added is summer workout attendance. The competition gives advantages to the bigger and stronger athletes, while also rewarding the smaller quicker athletes. The seven drills and events are the bench press, squat, power cling, 40 yard dash, standing broad jump, (L) shape cone drill, 20 yard shuttle, and attendance.

The Knights will announce the Iron Man winner at their annual kick-off preseason dinner on August 24 at 7 p.m. at the ULHS cafeteria. Upson-Lee will continue to work out in helmets and shorts only, and will begin their full pad practices starting next Wednesday Aug. 1.

The Georga High School Association (GHSA) will begin instituting new heat policy rules this summer. Here are a few aspects of the new heat policy which the GHSA has put into place:

-No player may practice in full pads until the player has participated in five practices without pads. This is designed to help players get acclimated to the heat.

-There are specific activity and rest break guidelines related to various wet bulb globe temperature readings. For example, a reading of over 92 results in outdoor practices being cancelled.

-Any school being found in violation of any part of the new policy is subject to a $500 to $1,000 fine.

Most high schools will begin their full pads practice on Aug. 1, as will Upson-Lee. The Knights will have 13 days to practice before taking on Lamar County in Barnesville on Aug. 17, and they will have 23 days to practice before kicking off their 2012 season with a game at Pike County on Aug. 31.

Keep reading The Times, as we will bring you winner of the 2012 Iron Man Competition once the winner is announced.