University of Houston Athletics
Cougars' Effort Pleases Briles
8/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2005
HOUSTON, Texas - For the first time since camp started on August 3, the University of Houston held two-a-day practices, working out once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Despite the soaring temperatures, reaching a heat index of 107 degrees in the afternoon, the Cougars continued to progress as a team as the season opener against Oregon quickly approaches.
After spending a good portion of the morning practice working the special teams, UH head coach Art Briles and his staff donated the majority of the afternoon practice to offense and defense. Needless-to-day, Briles is beginning to see his team come together.
"We did a lot of special teams work this morning," said Briles, "and then ran through some drills and blitz pickups later (in the morning practice.) It was a very productive practice.
"This afternoon we wanted to spend plenty of time working over offense and defense and continue with a normal practice for us. Things are starting to fall in place, and I like that."
As mentioned, the mercury topped out in the mid 90s for both practices with heat indices reaching triple digits. With this in mind, Briles and his staff, as well as the athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches, have been extremely cognizant of heat-related injuries and keeping the players hydrated.
When asked about the heat and humidity, Briles responded, " Worrying. Worrying every minute because it is a concern. It is a legitimate concern (and) is something we have to keep a close eye on every step of the way.
"These players are good-size guys. They sweat and it is a concern. It is a danger that we try to keep a close eye on. We just try to make sure they hydrate themselves and let us know when something isn't going right. And, knock on wood, we've been very fortunate so far."
Houston will get a day off tomorrow before returning to two-a-days, as the Cougars are slated to practice at 9 am and 4:45 pm.
