Aug. 13, 2003
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The Lafayette football team conducted its third day of preseason workouts Wednesday at Metzgar Fields.
The Leopards wore helmets and shoulder pads for the three-hour practice session. Friday is the first day the team can suit up in full pads.
"Today was the first day with uppers (helmets and shoulder pads), so we were able to do a little bit of thudding and see a few more things," said fourth-year head coach Frank Tavani. "Our defense looks pretty aggressive, our top groups look sharp and our young kids are learning and getting some reps."
Per new NCAA guidelines, the Leopards are restricted to one three-hour practice session per day for the first week of camp. Tavani has scheduled his sessions in the middle of the day to prepare the Leopards for the heat they will play in during the month of September.
"I feel confident that we will be better prepared to play at this time of day. Our acclimatization should be good," Tavani said.
Lafayette opens the 2003 season at home against Marist on Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fisher Field.
INJURY REPORT:
Gus Ottoson - out indefinitely with a knee injury
Trey Martell - out six weeks with a pulled hamstring
