TicketsApril 11, 2007
CINCINNATI, Ohio-- Amid rain showers and a delay for lightning, the University of Cincinnati football team practiced for just over two hours on Wednesday afternoon. On the ninth practice of the spring schedule, Brian Kelly worked plenty of younger players into the fold.
"We saw a lot of live repetitions for the third units today. We came out here with only three guys who have had practice-related injuries," stated Kelly. "We have no hamstring or groin injuries and that's a testament to our work in both the weight room and training room."
The Bearcats worked ample plays with the first team offense facing the first defense, likewise the second groups sparred and then the third string went head to head.
Before practice could heat up, lead athletic trainer for football Bob Mangine ordered the squad off the field. Mangine directed the team indoors after his handheld Sky Scan lightning detection unit indicated lightning was dangerously close to Nippert Stadium.
Kelly continued, "You know it's Spring. You have to improvise and adapt to the situation. It was like a halftime break today."
After the dangerous weather passed, the Bearcats returned to work for almost 90 minutes.
"We practice smart. Having 17 years experience as a head coach, we know we want to get people ready for Saturday(s). All of those things work together to allow us to feel pretty good about where we are right now."
The Cincinnati Bearcats take the field again on Friday at 3:15 p.m. On Saturday, they are set to workout from 9:45 until 11:30 a.m.