Audio from interview with GoLeopards.com
Aug. 16, 2001
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The first day of full squad practices was successful and relatively free of injuries as the 2001 Lafayette football team finished its fourth day of preseason practices at the College's Metzgar Fields complex.
"I've been really pleased with the enthusiasm level and the attitude of the entire team," said second-year Leopards head coach Frank Tavani. "I was really pleased with the tempo of this morning's practice." Coach Tavani even postponed the conditioning from the morning practice."
Many of the upperclassmen returned stronger and faster than when they left campus in the spring. In fact, more than 30 Leopards remained on campus this summer to work together in strength and conditioning workouts.
"The work ethic and desire of our student-athletes in the off-season is really paying off," said Tavani. "I am encouraged by the strength levels shown during the preseason already."
The Leopards continue two-a-day workouts, practicing at 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. through next Wednesday, Aug. 22. Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 27, and the Leopards open the 2001 season when they travel to Towson for a Patriot League contest on Sept. 8, at 1 p.m.
ROSTER UPDATE:
Michael Barba (Jr., OL) - removed from the roster.
Paul Staub (Jr., OL) - removed from the roster.
INJURY UPDATE:
Joel Cesare (So., FL/KR) - out 2-3 weeks with apendicitis
Andrew May (Sr., FL) - out 2-3 weeks with an ankle sprain
Lawrence Zimmerman (Fr., OL) - out for the season with a knee injury, will attend classes in the spring semester.
