Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Conclude First Day of Spring Drills
March 21, 2006 | Cowboy Football
The Cowboys spent just over 2 1/2 hours on the artificial surface of Boone Pickens Stadium. O-State's first workout was conducted in shorts and jerseys and the Cowboys won't don pads until later this week.
Monday's workout was originally scheduled for the grass practice fields but heavy rain both Saturday and Sunday moved the practice to the turf. OSU is expected to remain on the stadium turf for Wednesday and possibly move to the grass for Friday.
After Monday's workout, second-year head coach Mike Gundy said he was satisfied with the results.
“I was pleased with our practice today,” Gundy said. “The weather was perfect for us and the players came out with good enthusiasm. One thing our football team has is a great attitude and they work hard. They are paying the price to do what it takes for us to be successful here.”
“It's a little hard to practice when you are in shorts but there are some assignments that can be worked on and the players can get the feel of being back out here. We are looking forward to getting the pads on in a couple of days,” Gundy said.
OSU's coach said his team's off-season work ethic should carry over to the spring practice field. “Coach Glass has worked this team extremely hard and our guys have bought in. I don't think we had one player miss a lift this entire off season. Our running is tough but the players are doing it and fighting through it,” Gundy said.
Senior-to-be wide receiver D'Juan Woods, OSU's leading pass catcher a year ago, said it was good to be back on the practice field. “We're glad to have the opportunity to come out run our routes and our offense. A lot of guys have gotten the year of experience they needed and we're looking to move forward as an offense.”
Defensive end Victor DeGrate echoed Woods thoughts on the beginning of workouts. “It feels good to be back in the football mode and actually get out here and run plays.” DeGrate also referred to the off season conditioning. “Coach Glass has us in a strong program. We've worked hard and hope that will pay off.”
The Cowboys are scheduled to return to the field Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday's workout will also begin at 2:30 with Friday's practice scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma State's spring workouts are open to the public.
Oklahoma State will conclude spring workouts with the annual Spring Game, scheduled for 5 p.m., on Saturday, April 22 at Boone Pickens Stadium.
