North Carolina State University Athletics
Annabelle's Preseason Diary - Day 2
8/6/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 6, 2003
I'm still trying to get used to this new schedule. It seems strange to be finished for the day with practice by lunchtime, but I'm not complaining. The schedule is just as tight for our players and coaches with meetings, weight-lifting, freshman orientation, study hall for the guys in summer school, etc., but with just one trip to the field every day.
Today's practice was also in helmets and shorts (no pads), like yesterday, except this time, the freshmen could work out. It's hard to tell much until they start contact, but from my non-coaches' perspective, it seems like our new guys are in good physical condition when they're doing their conditioning. I have really been impressed with them off the field. They all seem to be very respectful, well-spoken, personable young men. The varsity guys are already coming up with nicknames for the rookies, so I guess they will fit right in.
One of the most important people to the football staff at this time of year is Kermit Keeter, who works for the National Weather Service on campus. Kermit (the father of former Wolfpack basketball player Brian Keeter) is the football team's "eye-in-the-sky" when it comes to watching for severe weather. He gives frequent updates to Carolyn Stuart in the football office almost every day during the season. When Kermit tells us that a storm is about 45 minutes away, he's almost always right on the money. Since severe storms are predicted in Raleigh every day this week, Kermit's information will be very much appreciated. In fact, today's practice was originally scheduled for the afternoon, but moved to the morning to avoid any bad weather.
As intense as practice was yesterday, there really seemed to be something missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I figured it out quickly this morning when I heard Greg Golden's voice above all the others. He was in class yesterday, and I assure you that practice is much quieter when he's not around. Don't know if you've seen Greg's new look - his hair is cut very short. Sometimes I don't recognize him without his signature locks, but there's no mistaking that voice!
This time of year, the linemen are working on more individual drills, while the skill guys go through pass skeleton and one-on-ones. I'll try to write more about those groups once contact starts. We've got a lot of guys wearing black jerseys, which is what the quarterbacks wear in practice. In addition to Philip, Jay Davis, Chris Moore, Marcus Stone, Chris Hawkins and a couple of walkons are getting reps. Our wide receivers look pretty quick and skillful, no matter who's throwing the ball to them. Jerricho Cotchery, Andy Bertrand, Sterling Hicks, Tramain Hall, Richard Washington, Brian Clark, LaMart Barrett, even Jimmie Sutton (who prefers to be referred to as "Third") - they all caught the ball well today.
This afternoon, the team met together and Coach Amato announced their theme for the upcoming season. His first year, the team adopted "FINISH" as their motto. In 2001, it was "Step Up," and last year, it was "Full Speed Ahead." This season, the team's theme will be "CUT IT LOOSE." Coach Amato told me after practice that this means that when the team gets on the field, "They need to stop thinking, stop worrying and cut it loose. We want to go out there and give it all we've got. Don't hold anything back." The "I" certainly says something about the team's goals for the season as well.
Tomorrow, the guys will put on shoulder pads for the first time. Practice will be in the afternoon, as 20 or so of the players are taking final exams in the morning. I'll probably post in the evening sometime, so be patient!
Practice Day Two Photo Gallery
Annabelle's Preseason Diary--Day 1
