Football Practice Report - Friday, Aug. 16

Aug. 17, 2002

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The Miami football team concluded its final open practice yesterday at Greentree Practice Fields on the UM campus. According to coach Larry Coker, the Hurricanes have begun to emerge as a more cohesive unit during the course of recent practices.

“What we had today was a little chore day, but we got a lot done,” Coach Coker said. “We got (receiver) Andre Johnson back in the mix a little bit with some very light stuff and we did a lot of positive things. We’re starting to look a little bit more like a football team, I think. I can’t put my finger on it other than maybe the chemistry. I feel pretty good about our team right now.”

Introductions in Order

The players, practicing in shorts and shells, were given a brief respite when University of Miami President Donna Shalala made an appearance in order to introduce the university’s new Vice Provost of the University and Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. James H. Wyche.

Dr. Wyche, who was most recently affiliated with Brown University and Tougaloo College, is the first African-American dean of an undergraduate college to be hired in the 75-year history of the university. Both Shalala and Wyche wished the players good luck following the brief introduction.

Saturday Scrimmage Closed to Public, Media

All ensuing practices of the UM football team, including Saturday morning’s scrimmage, are closed to the public. Members of the press will be able to access coach Coker following the morning practice.

Miami will not practice on Saturday afternoon and will resume work with a 3:30 p.m. workout on Sunday afternoon at Greentree. Beginning Sunday, regular media policies (viewing for only the first 30 minutes and final 15 minutes of practice) will be in effect.

The Hurricanes begin the 2002 season Saturday, August 31, versus Florida A&M at the Orange Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.