Training Camp

This past weekend, players reported to training camp. I want to thank Dr. Taylor, Dr. Bell, and Dr. Suhumski, for all of their help! After a long day at their offices, they helped us out with player physicals Friday night. I also need to thank the Holiday Inn Express and Soccer for fun for their hospitality. Here is a shortened schedule of what our players had to do:

Fri-- 9:00 pm. Fitted for equipment, get physicals, fill out paperwork

Sat--7:30 am --10:30am Practice
11:30am--12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm --2:30pm Offense Meeting
6:00pm--8:00pm Defense Meeting
8:30pm-- 11:30pm Practice

Sun-- 7:30am--10:00am Practice
11:00am Team Meeting
11:30am Camp Dismissed

The players had a full contact camp. We hit and got after it each practice. Guys were sore and beat up. It was evident that most guys were a bit out of shape, but they know that we will not accept that. The coaching staff was pleased with the way camp went and the effort put forth by the players. We were able to assess "pure" football abilities with the pads on. Many players moved up on our lists, others did not. We still have a long way to go with personnel decisions. However, next weekend we will reduce our roster again. The players know there are still opportunities to earn a spot on both offense and defense. It is gut check time, do you have what it takes? Keep after it, keep the goal in front of you, TAKE IT!

Special thanks need to go to Justin and Chris (owners), they make it easy for me to get things done. Jerry Lakin the GM, you are the best!! If I need something, you get it for me yesterday, and I truly appreciate it. My coaching staff is the best, period. The commitment you have made to this team is beyond measurable. I think we all respect each others decisions, and get along better than I would have ever thought at this point. There were times over the weekend that we met until 2:00 in the morning then were up at the facility at 7:00am for practice. Then met in between practices and player meetings. I know it was looooonnnngggg weekend for me, so I know you had a long one too, thanks.

Coach JT's offense is complex, but he is a very skilled teacher. Watch out, because the scoreboard is going to be on fire this season. Coach Edmunds will have the O-line ready to protect the President if he comes to town!! Coach Rychel and Taylor work the D-Line and LB's to death, and I feel sorry for opposing QB's!! The pain train is coming baby. Coach Hunt's DB's will end up in jail for theft with all the INT's. Coach Dodd thanks for helping (???????) with the equipment.

We are very fortunate to have a diverse group of people on staff. Each of us brings a different perspective to the table and in the end, it all works out. We are charged with making some tough decisions, but I like this little rule:

"Am I doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time, for the right reason?" Answer these questions and stand behind it.

Camp resumes next weekend at 7:30 am at soccer for fun. Practices are open to the public and media. See you there.

Coach Gade