Central Michigan University Athletics
Quick Lane Bowl: Day 3 Wrapup
12/26/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
DETROIT - It was back to work for the Central Michigan football team Saturday.
The Chippewas also pitched in for a good cause, got a history lesson, and heard a strong message about preparation and team work from some very reputable voices.
The Chippewas returned to the practice field one day after celebrating Christmas in the Motor City. CMU (7-5) will take on Minnesota (5-7) Monday at Ford Field in the Quick Lane Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. The game will be carried live on ESPN2.
"We were able to see our families a little bit (on Friday), and I think we're doing a good job of getting in here and being focused today," CMU defensive end Blake Serpa said before Saturday's practice. "I think we're all ready to get back to work."
The Chippewas spent part of their afternoon at Gleaner's Food Bank on the city's east side. They packed some 18,000 pounds of potatoes and stuffed 1,400 backpacks with foodstuffs.
"We're really enjoying it, having fun with it," said CMU senior defensive end Blake Serpa. "It's great to give back, especially with the amount of people (in the program) who are from this city. It's personal to them. We're very fortunate, and it's nice to give back."
On Saturday evening, both the Chippewas and Gophers attended a panel discussion on team work and transitioning to life after collegiate athletics, dinner and a tour of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
The discussion was moderated by broadcaster Jim Brandstatter and included Detroit Lions great Herman Moore.
While there have been plenty of activities to keep the Chippewas busy, the focus, when it's time to step on the field, is on football. CMU played last season in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, and several of the veterans have drawn on that experience as they look ahead to the Quick Lane Bowl.
"Definitely the experience helps, having been to two bowl games, the preparation, just the whole process," said CMU senior center Nick Beamish, who was a starter when CMU beat Western Kentucky, 24-21, in the 2012 Little Ceasars Pizza Bowl in Ford Field.
"The Bahamas was fun, great experience," said Beamish, who, like more than three dozens of his teammates, hails from the Detroit area, and will play his final collegiate game before a large contingent of family and friends. "But it is kind of nice finishing back here, close to home. I'm excited to be back in my area and playing in front of my whole family. It's going to be fun."
