August 16, 2002

FURMAN UPPLERCLASSMEN REPORT TO PRESEASON CAMP;
CONDITIONING TESTS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY MORNING

GREENVILLE -- All but three of Furman's 70 veteran football players reported to campus Friday afternoon, thereby joining 20 freshmen already on hand for preseason practice in preparation for the Paladins' 2002 campaign, which gets underway Sept. 7 at Vanderbilt.

"We're glad to have them back on campus," said head coach Bobby Lamb prior to the team's supper. "Eric Emerson and Mike Killian called and are stuck in traffic on Interstate 85 in Georgia, and Cedrick Ritter will report later this evening, so by midnight tonight we should have them all here."

Conditioning tests will be administered Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. to 39 of the squad¹s 90 players, according to Lamb, who indicated that 51 players had already passed the test earlier this summer.

"The fact that over half the team has already passed the test indicates we¹ve got some dedicated veterans who are willing to lead and prepare themselves physically for the demands of the season."

The conditioning tests require each player to run 18 110-yard sprints in specific time intervals according to the player¹s position. Skill players must complete the sprints in under 16 seconds, while linebackers, tight ends, and fullbacks have a 17 second limit. Linemen, meanwhile, must cover the distance in 18 seconds. Each player is given 30 seconds between sprints.

After the conditioning test, the squad will take part in a team and individual photograph session, followed by a full squad meeting at 3:30 and special teams practice at 7:00. The Paladins' first full squad practice in shorts and helmets is scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m.