Aug. 17, 2000
Listen to Coach Tavani's Comments
EASTON, Pa. - The first day of practice with a full squad of 98 student-athletes saw the 2000 Lafayette football team workout at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in helmets, jerseys, and shorts. The Leopards will don full equipment starting with next week's workouts, as per NCAA rules.
New head coach Frank Tavani was able to see the freshmen blend in with the upperclassmen for the first time, and liked what he saw.
"It's been real nice to see everybody here in camp now," said Tavani before the afternoon practice. "It's been a real spirited day. We're not proceeding too quickly. We're in a learning phase now and just trying to execute a little bit. I really like the spirit I see out there, as well as the intensity and the focus on football.
Coach Tavani did not waste any time making position changes. Freshman Michael McAfee was moved from tight end to offensive tackle, while classmate Kevin Moss moved from offensive to defensive tackle, and sophomore John Ricketts will be utilized at tight end rather than quarterback.
The Leopards will continue two-a-day practices through next Wednesday, August 23, taking a break on the morning of Thursday, August 24, to assist with all of the College's freshmen as they move into their residences and participate in Lafayette's Football Media Day. Two-a-days resume on Friday and Saturday, August 25-26, and an inter-squad scrimmage will be held on Sunday, August 27, from 9:10-11 a.m. at Fisher Field. Fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 28.
Lafayette opens its 119th season of football on Sept. 9, when Towson visits Fisher Field for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. The Leopards' 2000 schedule features five home contests, including Ivy League foes Princeton and Harvard, as well as Holy Cross and the 136th meeting with archrival Lehigh
ROSTER UPDATE:
Paul Dzelzgalvis (So.) - quit the team
Jared Mast (So.) - quit the team
Michael McAfee (Fr.) - moved from tight end to offensive tackle
Kevin Moss (Fr.) - moved from offensive tackle to defensive tackle
Nick Mourtos (Fr.) - quit the team
John Ricketts (So.) - moved from quarterback to tight end
Brian Sondej (Fr.) - quit the team
INJURY UPDATE:
Bryant Ibekwe (Sr.) - out indefinitely (knee)
Kevin Pickering (Sr.) - out for the season (back)
