North Carolina State University Athletics
First Day of Practice Ends with a Bang
8/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State's first day of football practice began with a burst of energy and ended with a big bang - in more than one way. The practice was open to media, and more than 20 members of the print, radio, internet and TV media were in attendance.
The players - from veterans like senior captains Jamelle Eugene, Jeraill McCuller and Willie Young to freshman James Washington and Donald Coleman - came ready to practice on a hot and muggy start to practice that ended early after a severe thunderstorm cleared the practice field.
Players broke into position groups for individual drills at the start of practice, as all of the first-year players got their first taste of a typical NC State practice - although without full pads yet per NCAA rules.
After individual drills and stretch, the players went through 18 full periods before distant lightning and thunder drew closer and closer.
The players were called up to take shelter as the rain started to fall. After 20 minutes of rain, thunder and lightning that had the players, media and staff jumping, practice was finally ended early for the day. The field was covered in pools of rain, in addition to the dangerous storms.
Former Wolfpack quarterback Jamie Barnette was at practice and visited with some of the staff from his time at NC State, and also got a chance to talk with and chat briefly with Russell Wilson.
