Aug. 6, 2002
Columbia, Mo. - Twenty-six newcomers took to the field for the first time as Missouri Tigers today, as the 2002 season got underway with newcomer two-a-days.
The group of talented recruits and invited walk-ons went through a morning and afternoon session in reasonably cool, overcast weather. The morning practice got underway at 10 a.m., and lasted roughly one hour and 55 minutes, and was held inside the Dan Devine Pavilion, due to rain this morning in the area. The afternoon practice went from 3-4:30 p.m., and was held on the outdoor practice fields.
Overall, the results of day one were as expected for Tiger Head Coach Gary Pinkel. "I was pleased with what I saw out there today," he said after the second practice. "I think we've got a good group of athletes here, and these first few days are just all about getting them into a comfort zone as quickly as possible. We teach them how to weigh in, how to take the field, everything so that they can dive into the program when the full squad is here."
Tuesday's workouts were held in shoulder pads and shorts, and involved mostly drills and conditioning. Former coach Harry Smith watched the morning practice, alongside former Tiger standout and current Rock Bridge High School Coach Barry Odom. A handful of Tiger veterans also watched their future teammates from the sidelines.
Wednesday's schedule continues with two practices for the newcomers, with sessions set for 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday will be academic orientation day for the rookies, with no practice set as veterans report. Friday will be the annual team media/photo day at Memorial Stadium, with Saturday beginning the first full squad workout, set for 8:15 a.m.
Several walk-ons participated in practice today. They included Russ Bell, who is working out at defensive tackle. A three-time All-American thrower for the MU men's track team, the former Jefferson City Jay is giving it another go on the gridiron.
Other walk-ons included WR Alex Mackey (Fr., Independence, Mo.), WR Andrew Hoskins (Fr., Plattsburg, Mo.), OS Patrick Mickelwright (Fr., Brentwood, Tenn.), OL Stanford Richardson (Fr., St. Louis, Mo.), LB Anthony Simone (Fr., Kansas City, Mo.), and K Josh Randolph (Fr., Carrollton, Mo.).
In another note, TE/DL Zach Zwilling (Fr., St. Peters, Mo.) did not practice, and has not yet joined the team, due to personal issues. There is no timetable currently set for his arrival.