The sun was shining high and bright Tuesday afternoon, crisping
the green turf of Gilroy High School’s Garcia-Elder Sports Complex.
Varsity football practice was in full swing and amidst the yelling,
screaming and whistle blowing, the clash and buckling of pads were
the loudest sounds of the day.
Gilroy – The sun was shining high and bright Tuesday afternoon, crisping the green turf of Gilroy High School’s Garcia-Elder Sports Complex. Varsity football practice was in full swing and amidst the yelling, screaming and whistle blowing, the clash and buckling of pads were the loudest sounds of the day.
The boys in blue and white begin their 2007 season in 16 days, playing host to Mountain View, but on this sun-scorched day, the Mustangs’ focus was strictly on its own style of play.
Head coach Rich Hammond was making sure the structure and tempo of practice were up to expectations, calling out mistakes and congrats to players who moved through drills like parts in an assembly line. Hammond said the team’s efficient use of time is as much a workout tool as a way to utilize every second of practice.
“We could run sprints (for conditioning) but the linemen hang on guys (in games),” Hammond said. “And skills guys are running, but it’s all about breaking down (when making a play). So, we’re trying to get a lot of high-tempo reps in practice.”
The team is in its second week of double-days, practices that require players to attend workouts on the field and then in the weight room, three times a week. Despite a heat wave that has moved into the South Valley and sapped some of the team’s strength, Hammond has been pleased with what he has seen so far.
“(Monday) was the first hot day and we were a little ragged for the wear … which wasn’t good, ” Hammond said. “(But) over the course of double-days, I would give us an 86. I would give us a B to a B+ right now. We’ve gotten better every single day. Out of the 12 practices we’ve had, we’ve only wasted a half (day), where guys just mentally didn’t (show up).”
Heading into his second year as coach, Hammond said he has been especially pleased with the attitude each athlete has shown.
“Overall, I think the thing I’ve been the happiest with is guys effort-wise. Guys not complaining about getting footballs or not being the star, or this or that, but guys just willing to be teammates first and doing whatever is best for the team.”
