SPARTANBURG, SC – After a scrimmage on Saturday and a day off on Sunday, the Wofford football team returned to the practice field on Monday for two practices in shoulder pads and helmets.

The first practice began at 8:45 am and lasted approximately an hour and 40 minutes. In skelly, the defense was strong with two interceptions by Mychael Johnson and one each by Coleman Hornaday, Greg Gasparato and Trey Diller. The special teams segment focused on punt cover and kickoff coverage. Punters for the practice included Craig Novack, Landon Bennett and Andy Strickland.

The second session began at 6:15 pm and went almost two hours. Skelly was run with a two-man rush. Special teams worked on punt return and kickoff return. The final twenty minutes of practice the offense and defense worked separately in team drills.

“I think we are making progress,” said head coach Mike Ayers. “We are better then we were after the first week. We saw some good things in the scrimmage from some young players and players who were able to make some big plays for us. I think we have a group that understands the importance of work and are willing to work. Coming out of the scrimmage we realize that if we execute, we can be really good. If we don’t do the little things, then we are not going to be really good. I think the biggest thing today that we tried to emphasize is that camp is quickly rolling down. There is a sense of urgency that has not been there when you initially started because it is too big of a stretch. We battled the first two weeks. We have grown and matured as a football team and I think we have a better understanding of the kids that are going to help us from the senior class to the freshman class.”

The list of players held out of at least one practice on the day due to injury has decreased after the weekend. The list includes Devin Reed, Jordan Ingman, Andrew Young, Hunter Hobson, Jeremy Marshall and Blake Beeler.

Practices are held on the practice fields behind Gibbs Stadium. All practices are open to the public; however keep in mind that the schedule can change without notice. On Tuesday the team will practice at 3:30 pm. Wednesday will be the final day with two practices, at 8:45 am and 6:15 pm. The late practice will be a scrimmage with a focus on special teams.

The Terriers will open the 2008 season on Saturday, August 30 against Presbyterian at Gibbs Stadium. Tickets are available by calling the Wofford Ticket Office at 864-597-4090.