Northwestern University Athletics
Camp Kenosha: Day Two
8/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 12, 2004
KENOSHA, Wis. -- With one day of Camp Kenosha under their belt, the Northwestern football team turned up the intensity during a three-hour practice Thursday morning at Carthage College. This morning's session was the last in only helmet and shoulder pads as NU straps on full gear starting Friday.
"I thought today's practice was pretty good," said head coach Randy Walker. "We're far from where we need to be, but we have a lot of guys making some progress, and we're getting a pretty good look at the young guys as well.
"I tend to be a little concerned about a lot of little nagging injuries that are holding some guys out," said Walker when asked how everyone is doing. "With only three weeks until kickoff, it's a little scary -- we need to get everyone back and get them going."
Tomorrow's third Camp Kenosha practice will be the first for NU in full pads. Practice time is scheduled for 9 a.m. at UW-Parkside.
"We're looking forward to going full pads tomorrow," said Walker about Friday's practice in full pads. "I always say there are a lot of people who look good in shorts. We're going to find out a little bit more about ourselves tomorrow."
While the team looks to get things cranked up on the field with a full contact workout session on Friday, 39 football players were honored last night for their off-season work. At Wednesday's team meeting, those 39 players earned "Iron Cat" awards.
"Iron Cat" is a club designed by strength and conditioning coordinator Larry Lilja. Each player earns points throughout the off-season, via strength, flexibility, quickness and conditioning. To become an "Iron Cat," a player must amass 1500 points.
This year, Northwestern is honoring 39 players, 16 more than the previous season.
"I am real excited about the off-season work our kids have done," said Walker. "We've made some big strides in that area. We've got some guys who have put themselves in position to compete at a very high level on a major college level in terms of strength and conditioning."
KENOSHA NOTES
Akeem Hunter ran for a 65-yard touchdown during team drills ... Bryan Heinz, Dominique Price and Derell Jenkins each picked off a pass during 7-on-7 drills ... Loren Howard and Zach Strief were named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List. The award honors the nation's top interior lineman.
