Saturday, August 16, 2003

FIU Football ends practice week with a Saturday double session

• 2003 FIU Football Schedule

ne week down for fall practice and FIU head coach Don Strock rewarded his Golden Panthers football team by putting them through their first two-a-day drills in full pads, Saturday at FIU Stadium.

Following the workouts, Strock seemed pleased with what he saw, but understands his young team still has a long way to go.

“These were the two best practices we had this week, without a doubt,” said Strock. “I think they are starting to catch on as to what we’re trying to get done on both sides of the ball. But we’ll be back tomorrow (a scheduled off day) to look at films and work out in the weight room. Right now, to be quite honest, I don’t think we can afford to give them a day off.

“We still haven’t put everything in yet, but it’s only the end of our first week. It’s not like we’ve been here a month. We’re only three weeks away from our first game, so it’s time to get ready.”

With so many injuries involving running backs, newcomers like Chidi Nwadike (Miami/ Palmetto) and Marcus Jones (Miami/Gulliver Prep) and returning fullback types like Adam Gorman (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Adam Radno (Naples, Fla.) have been given opportunities to impress coaches.

“Coach (Tony) Nathan has been working with them. There is just so much to learn for these young guys. Every play is a learning experience. But they’ve done a great job,” Strock said.

Injuries suffered Saturday included freshmen linebackers Mike Gulla (Ft. Lauderdale/St. Thomas Aquinas) and Keyonvis Bouie (Pahokee, Fla.) suffering mild concussions. Both are expected back to practice on Monday.

Several others got back to work today including linebacker Kyle Salas (Plantation, Fla.) saw his first action of the fall after sitting out with lower back pain.

The Golden Panthers return to FIU Stadium for practice Monday morning in full gear beginning at 9:30 a.m. Practices are now closed to the public, except by invitation.

FIU starts the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 in Terre Haute, Ind., against Indians State. The Golden Panthers open their home slate on Saturday, Sept. 20 against nationally-ranked Bethune-Cookman. Call (866) FIU-GAME for ticket information.