Clemson Freshmen Have Brief Practice

Aug. 7, 2002

Clemson, SC – It was a full day for Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden on Wednesday. The Tigers fourth-year head coach had two short practices for his rookies in the morning and afternoon, then welcomed his varsity back to campus in the evening.

All veteran players expected to report did so for a 7:00 PM meeting at the McFadden Building. Some missed the meeting due to summer school exams.

The Tigers will spend Thursday in conditioning runs and taking photos before starting two-a-day practices for the entire team on Friday morning. Clemson will practice twice on Friday and twice on Saturday before taking a break for Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday.

The team will hold two more practices in shorts on Monday, then finally put on the pads on Tuesday. Clemson will hold two practices a day through August 20th with the exception of Sunday, August 18th, which will be an off day. Clemson begins classes on Wednesday, August 21st.

“The freshmen are showing improvement,” said Bowden after the second workout. “This was their fourth practice and the drills are smoother, the throwing and catching is better. They will have to adjust again on Friday, the pace will be much faster. They will have to listen intently, they won’t have the individual attention that they had in high school or over the first four practices when we have had just 19 players.”

Bowden did announce that freshman lineman Dustin Fry had suffered a dislocated kneecap during the morning practice during a one-on-one drill. He will miss at least a week of practice. “Dustin was doing very well, it is a setback. It is difficult to say how much he will miss. He was our strongest freshman in terms of the bench press reps of 225 pounds (29 reps).”

Overall, Bowden is anxious for Friday’s practice. “I am excited about the beginning of practice on Friday. That is the first time we will have the 2002 Clemson team together and we will start to mould the squad for the coming season. It is always an exciting day.”

Practice is closed to the public the remainder of the preseason.

Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday Clemson, Sc-Clemson will hold its annual Fan Appreciation Day at Death Valley this Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. All Clemson players and coaches will be available for autographs and to pose for photos under the South Stands at Death Valley. The function will not be held in Littlejohn Coliseum due to the renovation projects at that facility. Admission is free of charge. Clemson posters also will be available. Game tickets and the Clemson Media Guide also may be purchased on Sunday.

Tickets Available Clemson, SC-A reminder to all fans that season football tickets, single game football tickets (with the exception of the USC game) and group football tickets still remain for the 2002 campaign. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-CLEMSON or by ordering them on-line at clemsontigers.com.