Aug. 11, 2003
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The Lafayette football team officially opened the 2003 season Monday, with 95 Leopards practicing in helmets and shorts.
The day began with testing in the weight room for the underclassmen. The Leopards' three-hour practice at Metzgar Fields began with a running test of 16, 110-yard sprints. Head coach Frank Tavani was especially pleased with the performance of his freshmen in the strength and conditioning testing.
"I was extremely happy with the strength-testing results of our freshmen," Tavani said. "I thought they did a terrific job. The running test tells whether the guys have done the work over the summer and whether they're ready to play, and I think it's obvious that a lot of our guys have put in the time and effort."
The highlight of the strength-testing session came when 185-pound freshman cornerback Trey Martell (Sarasota, Fla./Sarasota) bench-pressed 330 pounds six times.
The Leopards return to the practice field Tuesday for a single three-hour practice session in helmets and shorts. New NCAA guidelines limit teams to single practice sessions the first week of camp, while two-a-day sessions can only be held every other day beginning the second week.
Lafayette opens the 2003 season at home against Marist on Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fisher Field.
