Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh working hard during preseason camp
9/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
For the first time in the last five years, the Lehigh football team prepares for a season without the traditional bullseye on its back. But, that doesn’t mean they’re not expecting to compete for a championship. With the 2003 season less than three weeks away, Lehigh continues to work hard at practice in preparation for the opener on September 6. The Mountain Hawks began two-a-day practices on Saturday, as they moved to the Whitehead Practice Fields. Under new NCAA guidelines, teams can hold two-a-days every other day.
Set to enter his third season, head coach Pete Lembo likes the new regulations. "The new format has been beneficial, because we have been able to get in plenty of meeting time and weight training sessions during this period," he said.
The squad has used the extra time in the classroom to work on schemes and review film. On the field, Lembo likes what he has seen thus far, though he recognizes that there is still work to be done.
"I’m really pleased with the effort, really pleased with the attitude, and really pleased with the senior leadership shown out here," Lembo notes. "Our guys are working hard to get better every day, and it’s great to see our seniors helping out the younger guys. We’ve got an enthusiastic group of freshmen who have an awful lot of talent.
"We still have a long way to go," Lembo continues. "Wednesday is our tenth day, but only our eleventh practice. We have two and a half weeks to be ready for Holy Cross. I’m comfortable with where we’re at, but, at the same time, we recognize that we still have a long way to go."
Lehigh will continue with two-a-days every other day for the remainder of the week. The Mountain Hawks will hold their first scrimmage on Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 with another to follow on August 30 at 12:30. Fans are welcome to attend both scrimmages to get a glimpse at the team.
Classes begin at Lehigh on August 25, and at that point the Mountain Hawks begin their preseason practice schedule with a single practice daily right up until they open the season on September 6th against Holy Cross on Fleet Youth Activity Day. Kickoff is set for 12:20 from Goodman Stadium.
