August 10, 2001

FURMAN FRESHMEN GO THROUGH FIRST PRACTICES;
PALADIN VETERANS TO REPORT SATURDAY

GREENVILLE -- Furman's 27 freshmen hit the practice field for the first time Friday with a pair of workouts in shorts and helmets under intense heat and humidity.

"Basically, we're just trying to get them as ready as we can so they can compete with the upperclassmen when we start practice Monday," said Furman head coach Bobby Johnson. "We're trying to jam as much as possible into their minds, and they're getting maybe half of it, which is normal. Overall, though, we're very pleased with their effort."

The Paladins' two Friday practice sessions, which featured a variety of basic drills, lasted approximately one and a half hours each. Furman's newcomers will continue with a pair of workouts on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Also on Saturday Furman will welcome 63 returning veterans in preparation for the first full squad practice in shorts and helmets, scheduled for Monday beginning at 6:20 a.m., and later that day at 3:20 p.m.

On Sunday squad members will undergo conditioning tests prior to having team and individual pictures taken at Paladin Stadium.

Furman, which opens the 2001 season at Wyoming on Sept. 1, returns 19 starters off a 2000 squad that posted a 9-3 record and ranked No. 10 in the Sports Network final poll.