Aug. 10, 2005
News and Notes:
• The Redbirds followed their regular formula for practice, working through 24, five-minute periods on the grass practice field in the shadows of Hancock Stadium. The 92 degree heat and the heat index at 99 didn't seem to bother the `Birds, as no players went down due to dehydration or cramping.
• Illinois State returns to the field Thursday for the first of four two-a-day sessions the `Birds will encounter this fall. The first session is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. with the second beginning at 7:30 p.m. under the lights at Hancock Stadium.
• Head coach Denver Johnson lined up his players on the goal line for sprints to end practice. The team was split into three groups, each having to run two, three-hundred yard timed sets before the regular post practice stretches.
• Redbird coaches and players were anxious to get off the practice field, as ominous clouds began to roll in and a light rain began to fall. Practice ended before any severe weather popped up.
Under the Shade Tree:
• Redbird players once again enjoyed a 10-minute break from the heat under the shade tree in the northwest corner of the practice field. Between periods 15 and 16, players were allowed enough time to take their shoulder pads off and get a drink of water.
• Head athletic trainer Kathy Schniedwind also treated players to their new favorite luxury, towels soaked in ice water. At any point in practice, several players could be seen with the cooling towels atop their heads.
Strap `Em Up:
• Wednesday's practice marked the first time the Redbirds worked out in full pads. Players wore helmets, shoulder pads and their padded pants, allowing for full-speed contact during the team scrimmage portion of practice.
Hayden's Heyday:
• Senior wide receiver Marques Hayden shined on the practice field despite the dark clouds above. Hayden caught three passes over 20 yards each to stretch the Redbird defense during the 7-on-7 and team scrimmage drills.
Run, Backs Run:
• Illinois State's stable of running backs continues to impress their coaches and teammates. Senior Brian Thompson took a counter up the middle for 30 yards after making a couple of his teammates miss. Two of the newest Redbird backs also made nice moves to score. Redshirt freshman Ansu Kpandeyenge and freshman Cortes Rice both broke tackles to get into the end zone for long touchdown runs during the team scrimmage session.
Don't Forget the "D":
• Maybe it was because they could tackle at full speed or maybe the heat made them angry, but whatever the reason, the ISU defense also made big plays on Wednesday. Senior linebacker Cameron Siskowic picked off Wally Cirafesi during the 7-on-7 drill and returned it for a touchdown. Defensive end Brent Hawkins also got into the act, sacking quarterback Wally Cirafesi on the first play of the goal line scrimmage drill.
Quotable:
• " We expected the first day of full pads to be a battle," said senior center Stafford Davis. "We tried to take it to the defense hard, but they responded and knocked us around a little at times. Both sides went all out today and it seems like we are really coming together as a team."
