August 24, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

PALADINS TO WRAP UP TWO-A-DAY PRACTICES ON
WEDNESDAY WITH FIRST NIGHT WORKOUT OF PRE-SEASON

GREENVILLE -- The Furman Paladins will complete two-a-day pre-season practices on Wednesday with a 6:20 a.m. workout and later with a 7:00 p.m. practice under the lights in Paladin Stadium.

"With our season opener and first two home games being night games, we wanted to get our team adjusted to playing in the evening, and that's why we're going to practice under the lights," Johnson said Tuesday afternoon following his squad's two-hour practice.

Furman kicks off the season on Sept. 4 against Elon in a 7:00 p.m. game and plays VMI on Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. in Paladin Stadium in the squad's Southern Conference season opener.

As for Tuesday's two practices, the Paladins continued to narrow their focus on the season opener. "We're beginning to practice the things we're going to do in the first game and getting people into positions we believe they can be most effective in that game. We're working on everything: offense, defense, special teams, and special situations."

On Tuesday Furman welcomed the return of sophomore defensive lineman Jarrod Holmes, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain. Holmes, a transfer from SMU who joined the Paladin program prior to spring practice, had entered the pre-season as a probable starter at nose guard.

"Jarrod looked good today. He's a little limited in what he can do right now, but he's definitely going to help us there. We're still waiting on an MRI result on (redshirt freshman defensive tackle) Ryan Bussard, so we don't know anything yet on him."

Furman Notes: The kickoff for Furman's Oct. 30 game against North Carolina has been set for 1:30 p.m., it was announced today. The Furman Paladin Club will host its annual Paladin Fall Kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency-Greenville. Coaches and players of Furman's fall sports teams will be present for the event, which will include food, drink, and prizes.