Northwestern University Athletics
Camp Kenosha Day Three
8/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2005
KENOSHA, Wis. - Under a cloud-covered sky, the Northwestern football team completed the first of two practice sessions Saturday morning at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Today is the first of six days with two scheduled practices.
NUsports.com caught up with senior offensive lineman Zach Strief after practice and asked him a few questions about the Wildcats' offensive line and Camp Kenosha.
NUsports.com: The team has four practices in Kenosha under its belt. How do you think camp is going so far?
Strief: "I'd say it's going pretty well. Guys are still adjusting to the tempo of full pads, but guys are flying around the field and working hard and that's the most important thing right now."
NUsports.com: The offensive line lost four starters from the 2004 season. How do you think the offensive line as a group is progressing so far in camp?
Strief: "It's going well right now. We have a lot of young guys getting a lot snaps, and it will take a little time to gel everybody. Luckily, we've got some time and a bunch of practices left. By the time the Ohio game comes around we should be ready to go."
NUsports.com: Does having senior quarterback Brett Basanez help with the learning and gelling process?
Strief: "Absolutely. With Brett, we've got a commander in the huddle, a guy everyone trusts and depends on. Brett does a great job of leading, which makes everyone comfortable with him at the helm."
NUsports.com: What is your favorite part of Camp Kenosha?
Strief: "Being an older guy and having spent so much time up here over the last four years, I'd say it's the down time. We're up here to work, and that's what we do, but when were not on the field practicing or in the meeting room, the down time turns into a lot of laughs. It's good to be around your best friends all day."
Strief has started 28 straight games at right tackle for the Wildcats and earned second-team All-Big Ten laurels in 2004.
"Zach is one of the best leaders we've ever had on the offensive line," said head coach Randy Walker. "He works extremely hard to be a great player, and takes his leadership role very seriously. He is doing a tremendous job of bringing our young guys along. Quite honestly, it's like having an extra coach on the field. I am extremely impressed with his willingness to reach out and make sure our team is in the right place on the offensive line."
NU will wrap up its first two-a-day practice with an afternoon session beginning at 4:45 p.m. The team will be in helmet and shoulder pads only.
Check back to NUsports.com for daily updates about the Wildcats at Camp Kenosha.
Camp Notes:
• During team drills, the No. 1 offense seemed to be clicking early. Quarterback Brett Basanez hit his first two passes; an over-the-middle 35-yarder to junior Shaun Herbert and a 10-yard out-pattern to sophomore Sam Cheatham.
• Senior tight end Sean Mansfield hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Bachér.
