University of Houston Athletics
UH Veterans Report, First Full-Squad Practice Complete
8/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 10, 2002
HOUSTON, Texas - After taking care of the annual Football Media Day during the morning hours, the University of Houston football team hit the field this afternoon for its first practice as a full unit this fall.
With all 105 players officially in camp, the Cougars spent over two hours practicing a variety of drills including seven-on-seven techniques and team scrimmages. Despite his annual preseason jitters, UH head coach Dana Dimel is pleased to finally have his entire football team in camp.
"You have butterflies and you're antsy, and this is a long-awaited day," said Dimel. "You don't realized how long you've been itching to get out here and get (your first practice) done until you get out here. You just want to evaluate and hope the guys have a good first day.
"I was really pleased with our practice habits. I thought that was good that they are becoming just that...practice habits. They are starting to see the things I expect out of a football team."
The Cougars return 43 lettermen from last season's squad, including seven starters on offense and six on the defensive side. Moreover, Houston's had a veteran squad with 23 seniors, leaders Dimel expects to take charge of this team.
"The attitude of the seniors is so important to the success of our football team," added Dimel. "They're doing a great job. They understand that they have to come to work every day ready to play. That's the key thing."
Houston returns to practice tomorrow, with two-a-days gearing up on Monday. The Cougars will have their first scrimmage of the preseason on Wednesday, August 14, at Robertson Stadium.
