’Dogs begin Camptown Races
Louisiana Tech hits field today for first preseason practice
T. Scott Boatright, Reporter
08-04-2008
Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley thinks in a rather unique way for this day and age — “Dooleyball” is pure, old-fashioned, smashmouth football much like his College Hall of Fame father Vince preached at the helm of the University of Georgia from 1964-88.Now Dooley has brought back another throwback idea that’s somewhat unique nowadays.
Dooley’s Bulldogs checked in for training camp Sunday afternoon — literally— as for the first time in years every member of the team will reside in Hutcheson Dormitory during the preseason practice period.
“I’m a little old fashioned,” Dooley said. “I believe in camp being camp and believe it’s good for the players to be in a not so great dorm and away from distractions.”
While admittedly not thrilled, the upperclassman players said they understand what their head coach has in mind.
“We’re going to try to make the best of it,” senior running back Patrick Jackson said. “If it helps bring unity to the team, then we’ll do it. I tried to plead my case to Coach Dooley, but he didn’t even think about it and said it’s going to be the dorm.”
Senior linebacker Quin Harris agreed that the move was tough for upperclassmen.
“This is always bittersweet, moving from your own place back to a dorm like freshman year,” Harris said. “But I think it’s a great idea and will bring unity. The freshmen better look out, though. There will be some pranks.
“I’m just trying to get used to the weather. I just got back from California (his hometown is Visalia) yesterday, and I’m still trying to get used to this heat again.”
The Bulldogs will begin practice today with the team split into two groups. A group of mainly veterans will practice at 2 p.m. while newcomers will work out at 7:30 p.m.
“That gives us time to teach the new guys the system and what they need to know without the veteran players wasting time having to watch,” Dooley said.
Dooley learned much from his father, just as he did from mentor Nick Saban. As a Saban assistant at LSU and with the Miami Dolphins, Dooley was part of a staff known for its fast-paced, highly intense workouts. That might have taken the Bulldogs a little off guard at first, but they’re prepared now as they head into their second season under Dooley’s leadership.
“My first camp was with (former Tech head coach Jack) Bicknell and then the change last year with Coach Dooley was tremendous,” sophomore quarterback Ross Jenkins said. “Coach Dooley’s practices are much faster and more intense and he puts us out there at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to get used to the heat and really get ready for the season.
“I think the split practice is good, because we don’t waste time going over the basics with the freshmen.”
And while preseason practice is always tough, it’s also highly anticipated.
“This is always an exciting time of year for coaches and players,” Dooley said. “It’s the dawn of a new season — everyone is undefeated. It takes a day or two for the players to get back into the routine, so we’re ready to get started and down to work.”
Jackson said the players are ready.
“We had a great summer (conditioning session),” Jackson said. “Everyone’s looking forward to getting out there. We know what to expect this year — fast tempo, grind it out football.
“Camp is the first step and when everything comes back together. If we can keep improving week by week, we’ll be ready for Mississippi State.”
Tech opens its season Aug. 30 when an SEC opponent comes to Ruston for the first time event as Mississippi State plays in Joe Aillet Stadium.
Other Sports Headlines
