Murray State University Athletics
Racers Get First Taste of Mother Nature on Friday
8/15/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
The Murray State football team had an uninvited guest at practice Friday afternoon as "mother nature" brought down some heavy downpours as the Racers went through their second practice of the day. The heavy rains lasted about 30-45 minutes of the 90minute practice.
"It's good to have the elements, it really is," said head coach Matt Griffin. "You have to play in it. We don't cancel anything due to rain and you have to practice in it. We haven't come inside from any type of weather, and we won't. We have a great surface and it is the one we play on week in and week out. I thought we had some great work. The storm lasted over 30 minutes and at times it was a torrential downpour. I was pleased the way our skill guys handled the football and really the way our defense played, especially in the back field came out of breaks and covered."
The team continued to do battle against one another and yet another spirited team period. The offense worked on scoring in the red zone, but the defense held the upper hand as Dexter Durrante and Will Werner came up with big interceptions.
Practiced ended with the second installment of tug-of-war. The defense dominated the first round, but the offense enacted revenge this afternoon they pulled their way to the convincing victory.
"We came out this morning real spirited. We had a little bit of a break yesterday, didn't go as long in the afternoon, and came out this morning and did a lot of team work. I love the tempo, I really do. I think our defense really turned it up a little bit this morning and I think that carried into our team period this afternoon. We are to a point in this camp where I know guys have bumps and bruises, I know they're tired, but they know they have to just go and do their job. Regardless of what happens, we have to go play the next play."
The Racers will return to the practice field on Saturday afternoon as they strap on the pads for a 4 p.m. practice.
