North Carolina State University Athletics
Football Preseason Diary, Day 15
8/21/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 21, 2001
Each day during August, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations, Annabelle Vaughan, will be sharing what goes on behind the scenes as the football team and the athletic department staff get ready for the 2001 season.
I just wanted to let everyone who's reading this diary know how much I appreciate all the positive e-mails and comments I've gotten about it. I've been amazed at how many people are following it (it actually makes me a little nervous!). And since I've been asked this question by a lot of people: attending practice is something I would do whether I was writing a diary or not. I usually attend all or part of every (or almost every) football practice, during the preseason, regular season and postseason. I feel that if I'm going to be the person who is telling the story of our team to the announcers and writers, I need to really know what's going on. I attend a major portion of our basketball practices for the same reason. I think the players are so used to seeing me at practices, I blend in just like a tree or shrub or something!
And for those of you who have asked why I don't go into more detail about what is actually happening at each position, etc., it's because I like my job! Practices are closed to the public and the media, so a lot of what happens on the field has to stay on the field. And besides, doesn't the mystery make it more exciting?
Practice was long and hot today, but I think they continue to get a lot accomplished. They've started working on some Indiana stuff (a luxury you only get in the first game - to start preparing two weeks in advance!). ESPN called today, already starting to gather their information for the broadcast - those guys will have the luxury of studying up a little extra as well.
The guys got to choose between agilities and gassers today and they chose gassers. They all had to make a certain time on all of them (and I have to admit, I didn't stick around to see who made it and who didn't).
Coach Amato was complimenting Corey Smith and Ray Robinson today. I guess those two seniors have really shown some good leadership and are really playing hard on the field.
