Aug. 14, 2009
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Head Coach Sherman
8/14 Interview with Coach Sherman
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The Texas A&M football team went through its first day in full pads on Friday morning with a physical two-hour workout in sunny and humid conditions at the Coolidge Practice Fields.
"It was about what I expected, head coach Mike Sherman said. "For the first half they were getting used to having the pads on and I thought they were more comfortable in the second half.
The play of the running backs caught the eye of the Aggies' second-year coach, who immediately praised their effort after practice.
"They ran hard and ran physical, Sherman said. "They made plays after contact and I thought that was impressive as much as anything else. They still have a long way to go, but they took a huge step today in being real tough and not letting the heat and extra pads get to them.
Three members of the team - Matt Featherston, Vince Williams and Jeff Wood - all received their diplomas on Friday as commencement activities were held on the A&M campus.
In addition, numerous participants in the 17th annual Kick-Off Camp came to town early to observe practice. Just under 100 campers, ranging in age from 26 to 81, will spend the weekend going through meetings, observing film and watching practices. Proceeds, which will total over $800,000 after this year's festivities, go to the Sterling C. Evans Library, the Aggie Band and the athletic department.
Of note, two members of the 1998 Big 12 Championship team-Rex Tucker and Cameron Spikes-were in attendance at Friday's practice.
The Aggies will go through the first "two-a-day workout with a pair of practices on Saturday. The first is open to the public and will start at 8:25 a.m. at the Coolidge Practice Fields, while the second is closed to the public and will start at 4 p.m. inside the McFerrin Athletic Center.
"I don't think (the physical and mental approach) will be a whole lot different than it was today, Sherman said. "I always tell them to take it one day at a time, one practice at a time and one period at a time. You can't think too far ahead during two-a-days or you get overwhelmed a little bit. They just have to worry about the first practice before they think about the second practice.
Fans wishing to attend practice that do not have the proper University parking permit are reminded to park in either the University Center Parking Garage across from Rudder Tower or the West Campus Parking Garage facing the press box side of Kyle Field.
Texas A&M opens the 2009 season at home against New Mexico on Sept. 5. Season tickets, discount tickets and the "Texas Three Step" tickets are still available by contacting the ticket office at 1-888-99-AGGIE (888-992-4443) or locally at 979-845-2311. For ticket information on the web, go to AggieAthletics.com and click on tickets.