Murray State University Athletics
Racers show speed at practice
8/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
No matter what sport is being discussed, speed is a necessary ingredient if a team is to be successful. It's apparent in quite a few areas that the 2005 Racers have more of it than they did in 2004.
Here's a timeless coach's quote: "Speed is something you can't teach."
"I know everyone says that," said MSU head coach Joe Pannunzio, "but it's true. Either you can run or you can't, and we have some guys who are very quick at their position."
Speed is relative to position. For example, an average 40-yard dash for a lineman is 4.6 seconds, and the Racers' linemen are faster. The measuring stick for smaller players is 4.4 seconds. MSU receiver Jonathan Eiland runs a 4.34 40-yard dash according to Mike Vinson, MSU's strength and conditioning coach. Freshman Will Werner, who plays free safety, is right behind Eiland on the Racers' speed chart. Running back Nick Turner is another Racer who can turn a simple handoff into a touchdown as he gets in the clear.
Speed is sometimes misunderstood, as evidenced with this conversation not long ago when someone asked Vinson who was the fastest Racer.
Vinson said, "It's Jonathan Eiland; he runs a sub-4.4," to which Matthew Winder, the 8-year-old son of Dave Winder of the MSU media relations staff, quickly said, "I'm taller than that!" It's true, Jonathan Eiland isn't the tallest Racer, but he surely is the fastest. Hopefully, that speed will be put to good use when the Racers play at Mississippi State on Sept. 3.
CAMP NOTES
Near-miss: Just as the Racers were finishing their appearance at MSU's "Great Beginnings" program at the RSEC, the winds gusted up to 45 mph. The Racers had good luck, as the storm passed to the east and practice went on as scheduled.
Defensive rookies: After Friday's scrimmage, it is apparent that the Racers have several freshmen who are not only being given playing time, they are performing at a high level.
Tackle Danny Blakemore from Paris, Tenn., has performed well. So has linebacker Vincent Coley and defensive backs Chris Fountain, Stevie Chaney and Will Werner.
They're not board: When someone says the word "board" at practice, it doesn't mean they don't have anything to do. The "board drill" is a segment that is a man-on-man, see who is the toughest contest. In particular, it was an amazing sight when 315-pound defensive tackle Fabian Bean squared off with 330-pound offensive tackle Wayne Lomax. You can imagine the collision those two had.
First-hand look: It was a nice sight to see so many students returning to campus Saturday. As the MSU team took the field, several students were getting a first-hand look at the team they will root for this season. The Racers were energized by seeing their fellow students back on campus.
Clear the track: The Racers hope to send Racer One to many trips around the Stewart Stadium track this season after a touchdown. During the practice, quarterback Ryne Salyer hooked up with receiver Trey Graham for a long TD pass.
Duck, duck, goose! Surely when these Racers were little guys, they played this famous grade-school game. Joe Pannunzio has a fumble recovery drill called "hide the ball." It reminds one of the old game played at school.
Sunday service: The Racers are again attending church services as a team. Sunday, they will attend Murray First Baptist Church.
