By nature, most college students become nocturnal--late-to-bed and late-to-rise. But coach Sharon Dingman and the Illinois State volleyball team are flying in the face of convention with a practice schedule which includes on the Redbird Arena court at 7 a.m. at least three days a week.
The team also practices some nights at 7 p.m., avoiding the hottest part of days like Thursday, when Central Illinois temperatures reached the upper 90s.
Since the teams spring practices start at 6 a.m., junior middle blocker Amber Rogers doesnt think the 7 a.m. starts are a problem.
Were used to getting up early to practice in the spring, Rogers said. Early in the morning we can avoid the heat.
Freshman Jessie Janik likens the practice schedule to the hours most college players had to keep during their club volleyball days, when matches would start as early as 8 a.m. and schedules change from day to day in tournaments.
We have three days in a row where we get up early, Janik said. Then, we practice once at night (usually on Thursdays), which is just like playing a match. I like it.
In addition to avoiding the heat, sophomore Ashley Grubb likes having afternoons to study.
Its so much cooler, Grubb said. After practice, we can go to class and then study in the afternoon. I think its a good schedule. If you get to bed at 9:30 or 10 (p.m.), it works out pretty well.
Dingman, in her 13th year as a head college coach, agrees.
Its the best thing Ive done as a coach, mainly for this reason right here, Dingman said, referring to Thursdays early-evening temperatures in the 90s. Really, the best thing about it is that, in the morning, I have their full attention. They can be completely focused.
The Redbirds, who play a public scrimmage at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, have just a few more days of practice to get completely focused before they start the regular season against Illinois Aug. 29 at Redbird Arena in the Barker GMC Classic.
