University of Houston Athletics
Football Continues Fall Preparations
8/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2003
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team continued its fall preparations with a solid workout Thursday at the UH practice fields.
Working out in full pads, the Cougars practiced for about two hours in their only session of the day.
After three days of unseasonably cool temperatures, the Cougars worked out Thursday in typical heat and humidity for Houston at this time of the year. Following the workout, first-year head coach Art Briles said he was proud of the way his team fought through those difficult conditions.
"It was hot and humid, and we've been through a few workouts. Toward the end of the week, we're going to be a little dead-legged," Briles said. "But they fought through it, and as long as we are fighting, we have a chance to win."
With six full practices already under its belt, the Cougars are progressing nicely as a team and should be ready to go for the season opener on Aug. 30.
"We're ahead of schedule," Briles said. "We could play this Saturday if we had to. That day is coming, so we have to be patient, keep working and keep believing."
The Cougars open their 2003 season when they meet crosstown rival Rice at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30 at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.
The team returns to its two-a-day schedule with a pair of workouts Friday. The day begins with a practice at 10 a.m. before the Cougars stage their first scrimmage of the fall campaign at 4:30 p.m. on the practice fields.
"It will be a controlled scrimmage," Briles said. "We just want to do some situations, move the ball up and down the field, let our defense bounce around and make some tackles and then get out of it healthy."
