University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Battle Heat, Continue Preseason Work
8/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Eagles Battle Heat, Continue Preseason Work HATTIESBURG, Miss. -
Southern Miss Head Coach Jeff Bower saw an effect from the heat in the practice, especially as the session went on.
"It was kind of so-so," Bower said. "We just have to push through this heat. I thought that early on, our work was pretty good, but we didn't have great effort the longer we went. We have to pick it up in that area."
The heat is nothing new for the Golden Eagles, who have been working in the high temperature for the past two weeks. Monday's heat index during practice measured at 108 degrees, while the heat index topped out at 110 today.
"Overall the effort has been good," Bower said. "But there also were a couple of days when we weren't as good as we need to be. It is tough though, because the heat index was up to 110 degrees today. But we have to push through that, it's just part of it. The good thing is that we are not having anybody who is having problems with the heat."
While working in the hot weather, the Eagles also are beginning preparations for the opening game against California (on Aug. 30), as well as the following game against UAB (on Sept. 4).
"We are (preparing) a little bit for both," Bower said. "We are working against each other just trying to create some good competition. But we are also beginning our work on California."
