March 22, 2003
Texas A&M Head Football Coach Dennis Franchione was pleased as the Aggie football team finished its first week of spring drills.
"We got better today and that is encouraging for the second day in pads," Coach Fran said. "We've thrown a lot at them and you have to pat the players on the back. They have learned a lot and I feel good about what we have accomplished this week."
Coach Fran mentioned that junior defensive back Eric Crutchfield will undergo another shoulder surgery and will probably have to give up playing football. Crutchfield, a two-year letterman from North Shore High School, has had shoulder problems throughout his career.
"It's very unfortunate for Eric and for our team," Coach Fran said. "We knew he had some shoulder problems, but he wanted to try again. He will stay on and help as a student coach."
One of the areas most fans who have attended practice have noticed is the coaching staff's intensity and enthusiasm.
"Our coaching staff is an enthusiastic and intense group," Coach Fran said. "They enjoy teaching and we have mentioned that enthusiasm starts with the coaches."
The Aggies will take Sunday off and then lift weights and watch video on Monday before returning to the practice field on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The Tuesday practice will be in shorts and helmets before returning to the pads on Wednesday. Practices are open to the public, but fans are encouraged to call the practice hotline at 979-458-2185 to register and for other instructions and information.
The Aggies will conclude spring drills with a Maroon & White Game, presented by AT&T Wireless, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 12 at Kyle Field. Advance tickets are $5 and tickets the day of the game will be $7. For more ticket information contact the athletic ticket office at 1-888-99-AGGIE or 979-845-2311, or access the spring football information at AggieAthletics.com.