Oklahoma State University Athletics
2005 Cowboy Football Practice Report #13
August 18, 2005 | Cowboy Football
2005 Cowboy Football Practice Report #13
Wednesday, August 17
“It's always good to have fans in the stands,” said sophomore quarterback Donovan Woods. “We expect our fans to be great, and they're showing it by not only being at games, but also coming to these practices.”
After spending more than two weeks practicing at home in Stillwater, the Cowboys spent the last three days working out at Sullans Field at the Ponca City High School due to wet conditions at the team's home practice field.
In each of the three practices, the Cowboys drew hundreds of fans, and senior safety Jamie Thompson said it was amazing to see all the support in the bleachers.
“This was my first time in Ponca City and I was surprised to see all the fans in the stands,” Thompson said. “I just appreciate them for coming out to support the team, which makes us play harder.”
OSU coach Mike Gundy said practicing away from home was a win-win situation.
“I saw on the news last night where the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce had said they have been earning thousands of dollars in revenue from restaurants and gas stations, which is great,” Gundy said. “I'm glad for Ponca City that they were nice enough to allow us to this facility that we were able to pay them back.”
Overall, the first-year coach said he understood why so many fans came to watch the team prepare for the season opener against Montana State, which is scheduled for Sept. 3.
“I think there's a lot of excitement out there, and we want it to be that way,” Gundy said. “We want people wearing orange, and we want people excited.”
On Wednesday, the team ran drills before spending the final half of practice in a simulated scrimmage.
After watching the team go through many different scenarios, Gundy called the scrimmage, “much, much more encouraging.”
But Gundy wasn't the only Cowboy coming off the field feeling encouraged.
“We're moving forward,” Thompson said. “We're still trying to get some kinks out of our schemes.
“The defense is moving around really good and showing their aggressive. The offense is picking it up, and I think we're being more productive each day.”
As of late Wednesday afternoon, there is a possibility the team will conduct its first closed practice in Stillwater on Thursday afternoon, but could return to Ponca City.
