Pirates Work Through Fourth Practice
August 13, 2004 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. ? With the first practice with full pads looming Saturday, East Carolina conducted its final practice in strictly uppers at the Cliff Moore Practice Facility Friday afternoon with some players getting an early jump on the next scheduled practice.
"There is a little anxiousness out there, but we finally get to put on the full gear tomorrow," said second-year head coach John Thompson. "We've really practiced smart for the four days that we've done this and that is hard to pull off. Thats not how the game is played."
The Pirates altered their normal routine today, practicing in the afternoon rather than the morning due to weather conditions. Group A still worked through heavy rain fall briefly at the start of the first session.
By the time Group B had made its way to the practice field, the rains had subsided and given way to partly sunny skies and high humidity. Despite the humid conditions, Thompson stated that the younger players are beginning to practice better and develop a grasp of the system.
"I was really impressed with the way our young guys finished today," he said. "They actually had a much better practice than the older guys. These young guys are learning what to do and they're practicing hard and efficient."
With the threat of severe weather Saturday afternoon, the Pirates are scheduled to hold their first practice in full pads tomorrow morning.
