University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Opens 2009 Spring Practice
3/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 9, 2009
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss ended the 2008 football season by winning its last five games and defeating Troy State in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
That excitement has carried over for the start of the 2009 spring practice schedule that will have the Golden Eagle practice a total of 15 times over the next six weeks. The team will take next week off due to the school's spring break.
The first workout took place at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility, Monday, in shorts and helmets as the squad completed a 2 hour, 30 minute brisk session on a pleasant spring afternoon.
Second-year coach Larry Fedora was upbeat about his team's workout and excited about the starting point for this year's practice as opposed to a year ago.
"It was a great first day as the guys were eager to get out there," Fedora said. "The recall was there and the guys who have been in the system really understand it. We are a year ahead of where we were at this time last year. The new guys have already started to pick it up from the guys who have experience. It was a good day, a really good day."
The attitude going into spring drills is a little different for the Golden Eagle staff as most of the coaches have worked with their position players for a season. Southern Miss, though, has welcomed three new assistant coaches to the staff, Pat Washington (running backs), Travaris Robinson (cornerbacks) and Deke Adams (defensive line).
"We understand who the players are and what we have this year, where as last year we were trying to figure all that out," Fedora added. "Throughout the season we tailored the offense to our guys and what they can do. Now, we can just help them get better and better. We also have three new coaches who are leaning the system as well, so there is always some learning involved."
The Golden Eagles return to action on the field again, Wednesday, in helmets and shorts for an afternoon practice.
Don't forget that 2009 season tickets are available by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) as well as online at SouthernMiss.com, or by visiting the Pat Ferlise Athletic Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Southern Miss Athletics Department is giving a highlight DVD of the 2008 season to fans that join or renew their Eagle Club donation, as well as making their season ticket and spring game ticket purchases prior to or on the date of this year's annual Black and Gold Spring Game. The priority deadline is May 1.
