Aug. 11, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
It's the same play every year, but the execution is what always fools the defense. In this case, it wasn't a play run on the football field by the Illinois State football team, but rather, a trick play run by head coach Denver Johnson each year that gives his players a welcome break from the "dog days" of camp by treating his players to an afternoon at the Fairview Aquatic Center in Normal.
Coming off Sunday's 178-play scrimmage, Johnson called his players back in the team room of the Kaufman Football Building Monday morning for what the players thought was another go-around at looking at game film from the scrimmage. Little did they know, however, that Monday's practice would feature water slides, diving boards and an afternoon of fun in the sun.
"Our players have been working hard for 12-straight practices and a week of two-a-days, and there comes a time when you take a break and try to get their bodies back some," said Johnson. "This is a good opportunity to have some fun, but also get some therapeutic stretching and relaxation in. Hopefully, the guys will bounce back some and come back (Tuesday) ready to work."
Johnson has been treating the Redbirds to an afternoon in the sun at the Fairview Aquatic Center for nine years. The day is meant to give the players a rest from the grind of preseason camp, especially in the often hot and muggy central Illinois summer.
"Originally, taking the guys to the pool was a way to manage the heat stress that comes during camp," said Johnson. "August in central Illinois can be awfully hot, though this August hasn't been too bad. It (camp) is still tough and physical, and we get a lot of exertion out of these guys in practice. We just want to give them a break and get them out of the heat some."
Following their relaxing afternoon at the Fairview Aquatic Center, the Redbirds will return to their normal practice field, Hancock Stadium, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for their 15th practice of preseason camp.
