Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Open Spring Football Practice
3/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT Central Michigan University’s football program, under the direction of first-year head coach Butch Jones, opened spring practice Tuesday morning at the Indoor Athletic Complex.
The team worked out for two hours in helmets and shorts at the indoor practice facility.
“Overall I was very pleased with our practice today,” Jones said. “We have to improve our execution in some areas, but we didn’t have many missed assignments, and that was a good thing to see on the first day. It can be challenging when you’re installing a system of offense, defense and special teams, and trying to practice at the same time. We tell our kids, Don’t let the feet tie the mind up.’ They are eager to learn and want to please, and I was pleased with our tempo today.”
For Jones and the rest of the staff, Tuesday’s session was a welcome opportunity to finally work with their players on the practice field.
“This is really the first time we’ve been able to work with the kids with a football,” Jones said. “It was good to finally be able to see our quarterbacks take a drop and throw the football, to see our corners break on a throw, to see our defensive linemen rush the passer. It’s a good feeling to finally be able to get out here and get going.”
The Chippewas worked at a high tempo throughout the two-hour workout, constantly moving from one drill to the next. The coaching staff put the team through individual, group and team periods, with most of the drills featuring individual players competing against their teammates on the opposite side of the ball.
Players of the Day
The coaching staff will select three players of the day throughout spring practice. Tuesday’s players of the day were Casey Droscha (defense), Andrew Hartline (offense) and Josh Gordy (special teams).
“The players of the day will be based a lot on energy level and leadership that these individuals bring to practice,” Jones said.
Chippewas Compete in Night of Champions
Central Michigan University’s football program capped its winter strength and conditioning program with its inaugural Night of Champions last week in the Indoor Athletic Complex.
The roster was divided into 10 teams of eight or nine individuals, with a member of the CMU staff coaching each team. The teams competed in seven events: fast man relay, bench press, water balloon toss, farmer’s walk, tug of war, touchdown celebration and an egg eating contest.
“The Night of Champions is critical for us because everything we do is based on competition,” Jones said. “Whether it’s a water balloon toss or a receiver and defender doing one-on-one drills, everything is based on competition. I know our kids enjoy the competition, and I was really impressed with our fan support. This is an event we want to grow bigger and bigger every year.”
The winning team was the Elite Eight, coached by offensive line coach Don Mahoney and captained by Andrew Hartline. Joining Hartline on the squad were Colin Miller, Duane Brooks, Greg Wojt, Levi Brezee, Ontario Sneed, Vince Khoury and Jonathan Lapsley.
Spring Game Set for April 21
CMU will host its annual spring football game Saturday, April 21. The game itself begins at 7 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Players will be available for autographs in the Indoor Athletic Complex prior to the game.
Head coach Butch Jones will be roaming the stands during the contest, inviting fans to call plays during the scrimmage.
“With all of the events surrounding the spring game, this is going to be a great night for our campus community and the city of
CMU Athletics will be sponsoring four giveaways for fans during the game. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to win a round-trip flight on Allegiant Air to
Upcoming Schedule
The Chippewas will practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning this week. Under NCAA rules, CMU is allowed 15 spring practice dates, including the spring game.
