Story Links
Oct. 18, 2002
Check out what the 4th-year co-captain had to say about the team’s past week, which included a stunning ACC win!
Monday, October 7, 2002:After class, I went and watched film of the previous game; Coach Groh gave us today off, so after watching film, I came home and ate. Then I watched Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens play on Monday Night Football.
Tuesday, October 8, 2002:I had to get up at 6:35 am for early morning meetings. Meetings go till about 8:00. After the meeting, I ate breakfast in the trailers and then went to class till 2:00. I lifted weights before practice; went and got taped up before practice – watched film on Clemson before practice and then had practice till 5:00. The team watched film after practice for 30 minutes. Had to go to class at 7:00.
Wednesday, October 9, 2002:Had early morning meetings again at 6:35 am. Same as yesterday-ate breakfast in the trailers and then went to class till 2:00. Lifted weights before practice, went and got taped up before practice, watch more film on Clemson. After practice, I got into the ice tub to get my legs right (hard practices take a toll on legs and they get tired-the ice tub helps keep them fresh). After that, I watched film of our practice with Coach Golden. Went to Wild Wings with guys on the team after Wednesday’s practice because it’s “Over the Hump Day” – we like to celebrate the day that the harder practices are over. This is a common ritual for the team on Wednesdays.
Thursday, October 10, 2002:Class, then meetings at 2:15. Had practice and then packed bags for the stadium. Got into the ice tub again. Watched more film of practice with Coach Golden. Have pre-game meal (full of carbs – pasta, bread, etc.) Went home and watched Thursday night ESPN football game with my girlfriend. Also, before every game I watch the movie “Gladiator” to get me pumped up. I like to quote Russell Crowe’s “Are you not entertained?!!” speech before every game.
Friday, October 11, 2002:Class till 11:50. Watched some film until meetings at 2:30. We had a walk-through at 3:15 (we go over certain plays on the field). Dinner was in the trailer at 5:00. My meal included steak, spaghetti, baked potato, string beans, and ice cream for dessert. Come home, and got ready to go to the hotel. Had to clean up my apartment for the arrival of my parents. I caught the bus over to hotel from McCue at 7:45. Once we got to the hotel we had meetings. Went to church service after meetings. Then got a snack at 9:00, which included hamburgers, spaghetti, chicken, Gatorade bars, and cookies. Went back to my room, and took the Linebackers Test that Coach Golden likes to give. Went to sleep by 11:30 to get rest for tomorrow’s game.
Saturday, October 12, 2002:Up at 7:45. Pre-game meeting/meal at 8:15. Leave the hotel for the stadium at 9:30. When I first get to the stadium, I go get my ankles taped, then change clothes into some shorts and a T-shirt. Then its time to warm up. Go back into the locker room and listen to music. Listen to Fred Hammond, some slow music, and then something to keep me calm before the battle. Sit in my chair and think about the plays that I am going to be making. I put my gear on about 20 minutes before we go out onto the field. Team Practice on field. During team huddle, which occurs at the goaline right before we go into the locker room for the last time before kickoff, I get the team hyped by asking if they are ready to play, ask them what time is it…GAME TIME!! I ask them again, and then ask are the dogs in the house??!!! GAME!! It’s the same thing that Ray Lewis does with his team before the Ravens play.
Sunday, October 13, 2002:Great win over Clemson! Got treatment from yesterday’s game. Work out and then go watch Clemson game film. Today is a day to rest!