Renewed sense of optimism for A&T football

[krazykev]

By Jeff Mills
Staff Writer
Accompanying Photos
[Image accompanying article]
Joseph Rodriguez (News & Record)



GREENSBORO -- The day was already warm a few minutes before 9 a.m. Tuesday, the scheduled start of N.C. A&T's first football practice.

And the players were already on the dew-covered field.

Offense in gold jerseys. Defense in blue. Quarterbacks, kickers and punter in red. Everyone in blue "Aggie Pride" shorts and shiny new Riddell helmets that gleamed in the bright sun.

It was hot. But it will only get hotter as the Aggies work toward their opener Sept. 5 at Winston-Salem State.

The heat is on this program, which is on its fifth head coach in eight years. Take away 2003 -- when A&T went 10-3 and won the MEAC title -- and the Aggies are 13-55 in that span, including a 27-game losing streak that mercifully ended last year during a 3-9 season.

www.news-record.com/content/2009/08/05/article/nc_at_opens_football_practice_under_a_new_head_honcho_renewed_sense_of_op

[Bigboy]

Sounds like the 3 SR D-Linemen are serious about their last year. I hope it rubs off on everyone else. Go Aggies!!!!!

[bluehaze]

Strength and conditioning coach Cedric Walthaw said 28 of the players -- about a third of the roster -- took part in at least 40 voluntary workouts this summer. Of those, 14 had perfect attendance at all 42 sessions.

Good start, but that number has to get higher.

[captaggie]

I'm sure its higher than last year.

[SixtiesAggie]

Aug 5, 2009 7:45:47 GMT -5 bluehaze said:

Strength and conditioning coach Cedric Walthaw said 28 of the players -- about a third of the roster -- took part in at least 40 voluntary workouts this summer. Of those, 14 had perfect attendance at all 42 sessions.

Good start, but that number has to get higher.

That was volunteer workouts. It is mandatory now.

[northaggie]

Definitely a renewed sense of optimism.