Troy University Athletics
In the Trenches
7/31/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
In The Trenches
Wednesday, July 30
It is the end of the first day of practice here at Troy. The managers reported to work at 9:30 this morning to do some work here in the equipment room.
We began the day breaking in some new practice balls for the quarterbacks to use. This is a very important job since they have to be just right so they will be able to have the best possible grip on the ball, thus making it possible for them to make the most accurate passes possible during practice.
We also began taking our cardinal game helmets out of the boxes and onto their designated hooks in the back.
After lunch, we began moving some of the sleds onto the practice fields. This is always a very physical task since we are not exactly in the best shape. Fortunately, our new graduate assistant manager, James Gardner, happened to be very experienced in doing this on a daily basis given the fact that he was a four-year starter on the offensive line. Needless to say, his help was very, very, appreciated.
Later in the day, we began getting all of the practice pads and other accessories onto the field. After dinner, we began getting the practice balls onto the field before practice. Not to long afterwards, practice started.
Practice went by pretty smoothly on the first day. There was no contact involved. It lasted just over two hours. Fortunately, it was in the latter part of the day, so heat was not a big issue. All the players did were drills that emphasized technique and shaking off the cobwebs on some plays.
Sure there are some kinks to work out before the first game against Middle, but I'm sure that we'll be fine.
Practice ended just shy of 9 pm. We then began picking up the practice dummies, ball bags, and other equipment that had not yet been picked up. At this time of day, the only part of the field that we need to clean up is the stadium since the team is usually done using the lower practice fields when we go up to the field for the team-oriented drills.
Nonetheless, it is a lot of work.
At the time of the writing, it is now 9:45 pm. I am tired, and my clothes are drenched with sweat. Practice laundry is being taken care of by two managers that will have to stay here until the witching hours making sure all of the laundry is washed, dried, and put back into the proper issue bins.
The team is eating their post-practice snack at Saga (the nickname for Stewart Dining Hall for all of you folks not familiar with Troy University). I am also hungry, and in need of a shower. I think it is about time to call it a night.
Until tomorrow,
Jeff
