Hurricanes Return To Practice After Hurricane Katrina

Aug. 27, 2005

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Just as with the rest of South Florida, the University of Miami football team continued its return to normalcy Saturday afternoon in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Hurricanes went through a mock game in shoulder pads and shorts at the Greentree Practice Fields in their first action since Thursday afternoon.

Practice focused more on the mental aspect of the game, rather than the physical. “This was a learning day for us,” Coker said. “We went through a lot of situations and we did miss yesterday. It was good to get back on the field today.”

Coker canceled practice and the university was closed on Friday for the safety of the UM students and student-athletes. Players and coaches were affected just like the rest of the surrounding area, with some losing power and having restricted access due to poor driving conditions.

Clouds that covered the area on Friday gave way to familiar sunny skies and roadways were cleared. It was back to business for the Hurricanes.

“Our guys are very anxious and they do want to play well,” Coker said. “I think we’re ahead of where we were last year at this time.”

UM will practice tomorrow night at the Orange Bowl.

Notes: Devin Hester (toe) returned to practice but was limited to special teams work. “It was good to see him out there,” Coker said. “He’s moving around pretty well. We need to work him more with the defense next week.” LB Rocky McIntosh (knee) and G Tony Tella (ankle) continued to progress from earlier injuries with more action during practice… Tyrone Byrd, who was medically excused from Thursday’s practice returned on Saturday.