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ELON, N.C. -- As the Elon Phoenix football team reaches the mid-point of preseason preparations, the coaching staff has to keep the squad focused on the task of working toward a successful 2011 season. We caught up with head coach
Jason Swepson after Thursday's practice on the Hunt and Tucker Practice Fields.
The team will return to practice on Friday morning. In a schedule change, the Phoenix will practice twice on Friday – at 8:25 a.m. and 6:10 p.m.
Swepson on the increased intensity at practice on Thursday:
"I think the kids came out and had their minds in the right place and were physical. There was a lot of energy out there today."
Swepson on keeping the team focused and motivated:
"You have to create a new atmosphere with situations. Today we did goal line situations; that really got the kids going when they saw that on the schedule. Tomorrow we'll do a two-minute drill in the morning and a four-minute drill in the afternoon. They're tired of hitting each other and I understand that."
Swepson on the installation of the system:
"I think today was the last day of install except for some minor things like the Hail Mary pass. Pretty much the offense, defense and special teams are all in. I think we're still making some corrections. We have about another week before we really start honing in on Vandy so we have some time to clean some things up."
Swepson on where the most improvement has come since day one:
"I think the most improvement has come in how they attack practice. I think they see the light at the end of the tunnel. They're really trying to attack it. Overall, I'm pleased with how camp is going. We just need to finish up strong."
Swepson on what has been the most unexpected thing as a first-time head coach in camp:
"How to handle the injury list. The old saying is 'you have to play through pain, but not injury.' I'm figuring out who has pain and who as injury as a head coach. Obviously I don't want to make bad decisions when it comes to someone's health. Football-wise, I'm just making sure we're doing the right drills. I don't want to over-condition them and kill their legs."
2011 Elon Phoenix Practice Schedule
Fri., Aug. 19 – 8:25 a.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Fri., Aug. 19 – 6:10 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Sat., Aug. 20 – 3:00 p.m. – Rhodes Stadium (Scrimmage)
Mon., Aug. 22 – 8:25 a.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Mon., Aug. 22 – 6:10 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Tues., Aug. 23 – 3:40 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Wed., Aug. 24 – 3:40 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Thurs., Aug. 25 – 6:00 p.m. – Rhodes Stadium (Scrimmage)
* Subject to change
-- ELON --
