Pioneers wrap up first week, camp to begin Monday
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Head coach Chris Madewell?s team took advantage of last week?s five days of practice in light gear to focus on fundamentals, such as formations and blocking and tackling techniques. But with the state-mandated first day of full pads coming on Monday, the Pioneers are ready to apply what they?ve learned in a full-speed, full-contact setting.
?We had a good week of practices, and got a lot of teaching done,? Madewell said at the conclusion of Friday?s drills. ?Out here in just helmets, shoulder pads and shorts, our goal is basically to go over what we?ve learned, and make sure we have our techniques and our assignments down.
?But when we come out (this) week, this is definitely going to be a hitting camp. We?re going to get a lot of contact in, and we?re going to have a long, hard week. When it?s over they may be a little tired and a little sore, but we?ll be a better football team because of the work they?re going to put in.?
Camp officially begins tonight with the team?s ?Pledge Night,? where team rules, goals and expectations for the upcoming fall season are discussed. Players have a list of rules they agree to follow and goals they agree to accomplish, and each player will sign that list, agreeing to abide by it during the season.
Starting Monday morning with a 6:30 wake-up call, the Pioneers will begin each of the three days of camp with a mile run before breakfast, followed by a full-day schedule of meetings, film sessions and practices. Defensive drills will be held each morning, with special teams practice in the early afternoons and offensive practices after dinner.
After the work on the field is done each day, Madewell said the Pioneers will participate in nightly activities at the Dalton Gym to help further establish their bond as a team, including devotionals, film sessions and a family supper on Tuesday night.
Camp wraps up Wednesday afternoon, and the Pioneers will travel to Murfreesboro Thursday for an all-day session of practices and scrimmages at Siegel. The 2006 football season begins Aug. 18, with a road game at Bradley Central.