Murray State University Athletics
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Racers Take to Field for First Practice of Season
8/4/2010 4:50:53 PM | Football
Team splits into two groups for opening of Fall Camp
The Murray State football team took to the field for the first time Wednesday morning in preparation for the 2010 season. The practice was split into two sessions with the newcomers taking to the field in the morning and the returners hitting the turf in the afternoon.
“We are excited about it,” said head coach Chris Hatcher. “Your first day of practice is a culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of folks. We have 89 guys here that we are really excited about. This morning's practice was mainly the young players and the tempo was held down. There is a lot of teaching going on these first few practices until we bring the whole squad together on day four. But, I like what I saw. I like the eagerness, I liked the attitude. We are going to make a lot of mistakes, especially with this early morning group just because it is the first time they have ever done it our way.
The practice gave the newcomers a chance to work with the coaching staff for the first time on the field and get a feel for the transition into college football. The split-squad practice gives the coaching staff a better opportunity to evaluate the new players, as well as the returners.
“I want to get a lot of reps with these young players,” said Hatcher. “I want to find out who can help us this year and who is going to take a little time. By splitting the squad, you split the reps and it allows the guys to get a lot more work on the field, in turn gives us a better evaluation of each and every player.”
The afternoon session was more up tempo as the returning players took to the field for the first time. A breeze inside the stadium kept the air cool, despite the soaring temperatures.
The Racers return to the field tomorrow morning with the first group taking the field at 8 a.m.
