Texas Tech University Athletics
Leach Praises First Full Team Practice
August 03, 2002 | Football
Aug. 3, 2002
LUBBOCK, Texas - Preparations began for the 2002 football campaign as the Texas Tech football team gathered in full force for the first time Saturday afternoon at the practice fields Southeast of Jones SBC Stadium.
Coach Mike Leach couldn't say enough good things about his 2002 Red Raiders in a team huddle following a two-hour workout on sunny and warm West Texas afternoon. An estimated 150 curious Texas Tech fans lined the two practice fields to get a sneak peek of what to expect when Tech and Ohio State meet Aug. 24 in the NACDA Pigskin Classic in Columbus, Ohio.
Leach addressed the team following the afternoon workout and praised the players for their "great attitude and effort" following nearly four months off of organized practice since the April 14 Red-Black game at the conclusion of spring workouts.
"It was a really good first day, a good starting point," Leach said. "It was great to see our players excited about getting cranked up, and it was just as nice to see so many Red Raider fans here to check us out.
"We still have some polishing work on assignments to do, but the effort level is really good," Leach added.
The practice was the first for the varsity, while the newcomers worked through their fifth practice of the preseason.
Texas Tech will continue workouts Sunday at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and will hold a single practice Monday at 9 a.m., and two Tuesday workouts at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The Red Raiders will don full gear for the first time during Wednesday's single practice at 9 a.m.
