Day 2: Team Teaching, Conditioning Remain Focus

Day 2: Team Teaching, Conditioning Remain Focus

8/8/2003

Day 2: Team Teaching, Conditioning Remain Focus 8-8-03
Dore Jam II Coming Sunday Afternoon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt coaches rolled out more of their offensive and defensive schemes Thursday evening during the Commodores’ second preseason camp.

With the team dressed only in helmets and shorts, the coaching staff continued to broaden their playbook while concentrating on individual instruction.  Throughout the 2 hour 30 minute session, the players maintained the concentration and pace that Head Coach Bobby Johnson was seeking.

“We are moving ahead and I think the guys seem to be picking things up pretty well,” Head Coach Bobby Johnson said.  “We are spending a lot of time making sure our players do things exactly the way our coaches said to do them.  It’s important as we work to get better.”

The Commodores are not expected to go in full pads until Sunday morning.  The team’s first two-a-day session is Monday.

The first hour of practice was devoted to fundamental instruction as Coach Johnson rotating across the Rich Practice Facility watching position coaches work individually with their athletes.  The squad closed with an hour of team teaching, with offensive coordinator Ted Cain and defensive coordinator Bruce Fowler directing the proceedings.  All the while, Johnson’s coaches were encouraging players and providing tips for improved technique. 

Practice Visitors
Coach Johnson, who thanks Commodores fans to visiting on Wednesday, spent time Thursday greeting more players and several dignitaries.  Among the visitors was John Rich, the man largely responsible for the team’s state-of-the-art practice complex, and his grandson.

Several former Commodore players, including Russ Nicoll (Class of 2000), M.J. Garrett (Class of 2002), Pat Green (Class of 2001) and Johnny O’Neal (Class of 1976).   Coach Johnson and his football director of operations, Brian Reese, have emphasized getting former Vanderbilt players more involved in the program.  Their efforts have led to the recent establishment of The Gridiron Club for alumni.  More than 225 former players have joined the organization.

Vanderbilt basketball players Matt Freije and Russell Lakey were back for another day, and were joined by fellow players Corey Smith and Martin Schnedlitz.  Several members of the Commodore women’s team, including guard Erica Grimaldi and center Nicole Jules, also watched much of the practice.

Dore Jam II Scheduled Sunday
Coach Johnson, his staff and the Commodore football squad will join other Vanderbilt athletic programs Sunday for Dore Jam II, the athletic department’s preseason Field Day that was a huge success last August.  The free event is scheduled from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at the Rich Practice Facility.

Autographs, football posters, free hot dogs and Coca-Cola products (to the first 2,500 fans) and a free tickets to the Vanderbilt-Chattanooga game September 6 (5,000 tickets are available with the first 2,500 adults receiving a pair) are part of the activities. 

The event is truly a Field Day for young Commodore followers.  Numerous activities, from inflatable games and skill contests, are scheduled for kids planning to attend. Coach Johnson and the entire Commodore squad will be available for autographs.  Popular Nashville radio station Star 97 will be on hand providing music.

Upcoming Practice Schedule
The Commodores are scheduled to return to the Rich Practice Facility Friday at 6:15 p.m.  A Saturday afternoon practice and Sunday morning practice also are planned.  Vanderbilt followers are invited to attend.  The facility entrance is located off of Natchez Trace.