After two weeks of two-a-day workouts, scrimmages and conditioning, the Illinois State football team ended its fall training camp Sunday with a light special teams practice at Hancock Stadium. It wasnt the drills, however, that brought the camp to a close, but the singing of the Redbird fight song by the players which head coach Denver Johnson referred to as a song of victory.
I really think we won something this year in training camp, Johnson said. We beat the camp. Singing the fight song was a song of victory for this team and staff. It was a means of celebrating the progress that we achieved these past few weeks.
I dont think I have ever been through a camp without one day of frustration, Johnson continued. But this camp was different. We got better and took a step forward every time we hit the field. Every day, every practice resulted in something positive and I was really pleased with the camp overall. It is all about attitude and all the players have a real positive attitude right now, towards each other and this team.
With school starting Monday, the team and coaching staff will continue its preparation for the season opener, an Aug. 31 road game against Big Ten foe Purdue. Johnson praised his assistant coaches for their hard work in preparing the players for the season.
Undoubtedly, this is the hardest working group of guys in show business right now, Johnson said. My staff is a good bunch of guys and great football coaches. They have pulled all-nighters getting this team ready for the season.
Overall, Johnson said the Redbirds are making progress and that is what he wanted to accomplish by the end of camp.
This team is gaining momentum and heading in the right direction, Johnson said. I think we have talent, young and old, and the senior leadership is developing. We just keep moving forward.
NOTES:
After the singing of the fight song, the Birds took turns dumping each position coach into the athletic training tubs.
Hassan Abdul-Malik suffered an ankle injury in Saturday nights scrimmage and did not practice on Sunday.
