Football | 3/31/2016 7:31:00 PM
STATESBORO - The Georgia Southern football squad didn't go in full pads on Thursday, but that didn't stop head coach
Tyson Summers from putting the Eagles through an intense and physical workout at Beautiful Eagle Creek. The nearly 2 1/2 hour practice under a warm southern sky made for tough sledding late, but Summers and his staff pushed the players to try and rally for the finish.
Afterwards, GSEagles.com and the media got a chance to catch up with the Head Eagle:
Q: You guys were doing the Oklahoma Drill early on. Is that something in terms of physicality that you're trying to get into their heads?TS: We're just trying to set the culture a way we need it to be and what we feel like can give us an edge. Obviously, this is something we've talked about in terms of physical and mental toughness. We want to be the most in-shape team that we can possibly be and we want the toughness that comes with that to be part of it. I thought the guys finished up strong and ended up having a good day.
Q: You're making practices really physical. Do you like the effort you're seeing from them so far?TS: It's like anything that's new for them in that there's a lot of anxiety. It's a lot like when we got here and started doing new things in the weight room and with our off-season conditioning. Any time there's newness, you end up having guys who are anxious about it. But I think we're headed down the right road.
Q: For being four practices in, are you happy with where you're at?TS: We have a long way to go. It's not as much about the Xs and Os right now for me. I think that's a big part of it from a teaching perspective, but the biggest piece is trying to get where we can practice the way we need to practice.
Q: What do you want to see more of moving forward?TS: Mental toughness.
The Eagles will take the field on Saturday for their fifth practice. It is scheduled for 10 a.m., but could be pushed back because of rain that is in the morning forescast.
Sat., April 2; 10 AM-12:15 PM (weather could push back to 2:30 pm)Tues., April 5; 3-5:30 PMThurs., April 7; 3-5:30 PMSat., April 9; 9:15-11:30 AMTues., April 12; 3-5:30 PMThurs., April 14; 3-5:30 PMSat., April 16; Noon … SPRING GAME … Statesboro High (location subject to change to Paulson Stadium pending turf completion) Tues., April 19; 9:15-11:30 AMThurs., April 21; 3-5:30 PMSat., April 23; 9:15-11:30 AMMon., April 25; 3-5:30 PMSpring Football Practice Policies and Procedures1) Fans must enter the Beautiful Eagle Creek Practice Fields through the gate off Tillman Road. Upon entry, fans will check in and receive a pass. All those entering must have a state- or government-issued ID and will sign in.2) For safety reasons, fans will be allowed only in the marked areas. These areas will be painted and easily visible. 3) There will be no photos allowed at any time once practice begins. Fans are requested to leave their cell phones and cameras in their cars, but if they must bring them in, they have to remain in their pockets. Violation of this rule may result in being asked to leave the premises.4) Fans are asked to not report on any facets of practice via social media during or after practice. This includes specifics that occur during any periods. Specifics include, but are not limited to, coach-to-player comments, player-to-player comments, coach-to-coach comments, description of formations, drills or plays, or any "live" updates on injuries5) Practice dates/times/locations are subject to change based on weather or other factors.6) The GS Football Program or Athletics Department reserve the right to change these policies and procedures at any time.
Tailgate Cook-Off Set for Spring Game April 16It's time once again to showcase your skills at the Third Annual Spring Football Tailgate Cook-Off on Saturday, April 16 right before the annual Blue-White Spring Game, which starts at noon.The top-place tailgate and grill masters will claim the title of 2016 Spring Football Tailgate Cookoff Champion, a one-of-a-kind trophy, a one-night stay at a hotel, plus two tickets to the Georgia Southern vs. Georgia Tech game in Atlanta on Oct. 15, 2016, and of course, bragging rights. To enter the contest, a team or individual must register online by Wednesday, April 13, 2016 and pay a $20 cash fee per entry on site on April 16. All teams or individuals are responsible for providing their own food and equipment for grilling/cooking and will be allowed only one vehicle inside the cook-off zone. Participants are encouraged to grill, cook, steam, etc. their best food for fans to enjoy. Participants need only provide a sampling of food (not a full meal).
Punt, Pass and Kick Contest Added to Spring Game ActivitiesNewly added to the activities of the Spring Football Game this year is the Punt, Pass, and Kick Contest for kids ages 5-12. Little Eagles (boys and girls) will have an opportunity to showcase their football skills on the field before the game. The event is FREE, every child will receive a T-shirt and the winners receive their very own trophy. Participation is limited though so parents must register their child online by Thursday, April 14.
2016 Season Tickets are on SaleFootball season tickets are on sale and can be purchased by visiting GSEagles.com/tickets or calling 1-800-GSU-WINS. Save 140 percent by buying season tickets. Tickets start as low as $75 per person for the season.Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Tickets to Georgia Southern athletics events can be purchased by visiting GSEagles.com/tickets.
