Lumberjacks Finish Third Day of Practice
2/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 21, 2007
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team returned to the gridiron Wednesday afternoon, after taking Tuesday off. The weather was noticeably warmer, and with the temperature increase came an increase in intensity. SFA strapped on the helmet and pads and kicked off the practice with a 1st-n-goal drill that pit three offensive linemen against three defensive linemen. Junior Lester Simmons led SFA's running backs as they punched the ball across the goal line on numerous occasions, but the defense came up with its share of goal-line stands.
"It was a good start to the practice," said SFA head coach J.C. Harper. "I thought the guys came out and competed hard today. The offense fought hard and the defense scratched and clawed for every inch. I'm proud of the enthusiasm and effort on the team. They'll get tomorrow off before coming out here on Friday to do it all over again. This is a fun group of guys to work with."
Despite not hitting the practice field, the 'Jacks started a new tradition Tuesday in the field house. The Lumberjacks gathered to celebrate all the February birthdays on the team. Eight current Lumberjacks will celebrate a February birthday. The list includes Brian Ford, Rodney Freeman, Bug Aymond, Contrevious Parks, secondary coach Matt Graves, Lloyd Ligons, Michael Davis and D.J. Smalls. The team will gather once a month to celebrate birthdays.
SFA also started another tradition at Wednesday's practice with the Practice Player of the Day award. The first award will be handed out Friday based on today's practice.
The Lumberjacks return to the practice field Friday. Team meetings will begin at 2:15 p.m., with the 'Jacks taking the field at 3:15 p.m. Practices are free and open to the public.
-SFA-
