Murray State University Athletics
Pannunzio pleased with progress
4/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
When Murray State football began spring practice a month ago, head coach Joe Pannunzio had a bunch of questions. After 15 workouts, how does the coach feel about his team now? The Racers finished the spring period Sunday.
"While we were taking this team through the spring, my staff and I all looked at the different areas and said, 'Well, that part is great and this part needs work,'" said Pannunzio, who will coach in his sixth season as the Racers' coach in the fall. "Then, on the other hand, we looked and saw a hole that we've got to fill; but overall, I like our team, and I think we could have a special season."
Pannunzio is thrilled when Murray State has the ball. Running backs Nick Turner, Ron Lane and Chad Cook, who combined last season to run for 2,369 yards and 25 touchdowns, performed well in the spring and will be ready to bolt from the gate.
When the Racers open the season, they will have a new quarterback. Incumbent Adam Fisher left the team, indicating his desire to transfer to another school. That leaves junior Ken Topps and sophomore Ryne Salyer to battle for the starting position.
The Racers are also looking for two assistant coaches after Derek Jones and Brendt Bedsole took jobs at Middle Tennessee and Samford, respectively.
"I wish Derek and Brendt the best, but I'm excited to bring in two new coaches to our program," Pannunzio said. "Any time you bring in new coaches, you get new ideas and a fresh approach and that will help us."
As far as injuries go, the Racers made it through without any major ordeals. Dan Rumley, the Racers' leading receiver from 2004, suffered a broken collarbone, but will be ready when fall camp begins in August.
Pannuzio's concern about developing team leadership has eased.
"One of the things we did was take our kids up to Mike Miller's exceptional center and spend some time with people who are challenged," Pannunzio said. "We had a wonderful time, and were able to share with people who are less fortunate than us.
"Our players spent a lot of time together this spring, so the natural progression is that leaders will emerge, but we still have a way to go in that area. It's an ongoing process."
Spring practice is a time when a football program can evaluate and develop players, but it's only a foretaste of what is to come when the Racers open fall camp Aug. 12. Thirty new players join the squad, when the Racers will have 17 seniors, 23 juniors, 17 sophomores and 21 freshmen on the roster.
"We have a good base to build on, but we are expecting those newcomers to contribute," said Pannunzio.
The Racers open the 2005 season at Mississippi State on Sept. 3. Murray State's home-opener is Sept. 17 against Indiana State.
