Aug. 12, 2004

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Thunderstorms interrupted Lafayette's planned three-hour practice on Thursday, cutting the session to just over two hours in length. The storms rolled in just as the Leopards were taking the practice field at 1:30 p.m., with lightning in the area forcing a 45-minute delay. Still, the squad toiled in a heavy downpour for more than an hour after retaking the field. "We didn't get in much of our special teams work, but we were able to get in a full two-hour practice offensively and defensively," said fifth-year head coach Frank Tavani. "We've gotten some good things done the last two days even with the weather we've had." The Leopards spent most of the practice in positional and group drills, with the entire offensive and defensive units coming together for the final 20 minutes. Everyone on the field received ample reps during the team session, with the first, second and third units constantly rotating and players substituting within the units. The coaching and sports medicine staffs will be keeping their eyes on the sky for the next few days. The Leopards are still planning on practicing at 1:30 p.m. every day through the weekend, but could adjust that schedule based on weather forecasts for the weekend calling for eight to 10 inches of rain in some areas. There is a slight change in the schedule for Friday, with the freshmen attending the first of three academic seminars from 7 to 9 a.m. The players break out the shoulder pads for the first time in the afternoon, which allows the coaching staff added flexibility in what they can schedule in the practice plan. The staff is already starting to look ahead to next week, however, when full pads come on for the first time. "We're looking forward to getting in a good, hard week next week," Tavani said. "We need to get in a lot of hitting and contact next week, because the following week is game week already." Lafayette opens at home against Marist on Sept. 4 at 1 p.m.