Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Set for First Day in Pads
August 06, 2002 | Football
Aug. 6, 2002
LUBBOCK, Texas - - If you think the Red Raiders aren't ready for the 2002 season, think again. Texas Tech worked through a pair of spirited and intense workouts Tuesday on the grass practice fields southeast of Jones SBC Stadium.
"We had a couple of pretty good workouts today," head coach Mike Leach said. "We had a couple of heated exchanges, but it's all a part of the game. These guys are ready to play, but we need to continue to work hard and keep getting better in the system."
Leach praised the work of wide receiver Anton Paige and running back Loliki Bongo-Wanga during the Tuesday sessions. Paige fought off tight coverage to make several plays, while Bongo-Wanga continued to erase signs of a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during the 2001 preseason.
Wednesday marks the first day the squad will work out in full pads and it couldn't come soon enough for junior college transfer and defensive back Raymond Pierce. "The offense has been making us (defense) mad, so we're ready for the first day in pads."
Tomorrow's single workout will begin at 9 a.m. The Red Raiders continue two-a-days Thursday with 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. workouts.
Texas Tech opens the 2002 season in the NACDA Pigskin Classic at Ohio State in Columbus. The game, which will be televised by ABC Sports, is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 p.m. (CDT).
