Murray State University Athletics
Racer football, men's basketball share practice facilities due to rain
8/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aside from having three-point field goals and centers and guards, the Murray State football and men's basketball teams shared something else in common today. After almost all of the football team's practices have been in the 90-plus-degree heat so far this fall, the Murray State Racers' practice today got interrupted by light drizzle and the threat of a thunderstorm, so the team moved their practice to the Regional Special Events Center, where the basketball team was working out.
The Racer defense worked on pass routes used by Mississippi State, the Racers' first opponent of the season on Sept. 3.
"Mississippi State spreads their offense out a lot, and our defense needs to get a couple of looks at that because we haven't seen much of that in the past," said Racer head coach Joe Pannunzio.
While the defense's main focus today was strategy, Pannunzio said the main concern with the offense was their health.
"The offense just has to get everybody healthy," Pannunzio said. "One guy we don't expect to scrimmage tomorrow is (junior offensive lineman) Jonathan Harper. We expect him back on Sunday, but we are being very, very cautionary with a few guys. We are very lucky we have no major injuries -- just the normal bumps and bruises -- but there's no need in bringing guys back too early and causing an even more severe injury."
The Racers also continued to work on special teams, mainly kickoff returns and punt coverage.
CAMP NOTES: The Racers are no doubt excited about their last scrimmage of the fall tomorrow (Saturday) at 2 p.m., but the free Kids Clinic held tomorrow around 3:15, shortly after the scrimmage, also has the players and coaches excited.
"It's a great time for the kids to run around with the players," Pannunzio said. "To be honest, I don't know if the kids or the players have more fun. It's always a treat to see our young fans, and it will also be a good memory for the kids who attend -- and it's free. You can't beat that."
The Kids Clinic will occur at the Racer practice football field following the scrimmage. All elementary age boys and girls are encouraged to attend.
FOOTBALL SUNDAY: The Racers will once again attend a local church service as a team on Sunday, already making plans to attend Hardin Baptist Church this Sunday.
