MONROE, La. – Day seven of fall preseason camp ended with some sweet words from head coach Matt Viator – night off. The Warhawks continued to show improvement during the morning session despite a sticky heat and were rewarded with the magic words to close the session.
Wednesday, described by Viator as one of the last heavy install days, saw the offensive and defensive teams go head to head in situational play most of the morning. Both sides had their share of plays, with the offense connecting for several long passes and runs, while the defense forced multiple three-and-out scenarios as well.
“We've gotten everything in so far, and we've gotten to the point where you can kind of see the legs a little heavy. Today was really the last day of install, so we let them have an afternoon and night off and come back to work in the morning,” Viator stated.
The breather comes strategically during a span that will feature a lighter practice on Friday leading up to Saturday's first scrimmage, followed by another off day on Sunday before getting back into action on Monday.
“Right now we are trying to get through this part of camp. It's the toughest part, and it needs to be. You go at it twice a day, and they are here all day. Every now and then, it's good to catch your breath and get away from it for a moment. It's important to try and push it as hard as you can early, which we've done, and they've responded.
ULM jumps right back into action on Thursday with two full-padded practices, split in the morning and evening by team and positional meetings, before a Friday morning practice in shells. Friday night's 'Meet the Team' event begins at 6:45 p.m. and will take place in the new football fieldhouse facility.
The first scrimmage of the fall comes on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at JPS Field at Malone Stadium. Following a week of practice, the second scrimmage will take place next Saturday (8/20), at the same time.
Daily practices will continue to take place mornings from 8:40-10:55 a.m. on the practice fields and are open to the public. The team will also continue hour-long walk-throughs until August 17 (most nights), beginning at 7:20 p.m. inside JPS Field at Malone Stadium.
ULM classes begin on Monday, August 22, with the Warhawks moving to afternoon practices that week, culminating in the ULM Athletic Department's 'The Pursuit' event on Thursday, August 25. Information about The Pursuit can be found at ulm.edu/thepursuit.
The 2016 season kicks off on Saturday, September 3 as the Warhawks host Southern University. Season and single game tickets are available by calling 342-HAWK or via this link.
