Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Scrimmage On Boone Pickens Stadium Turf
August 17, 2006 | Cowboy Football
OSU head coach Mike Gundy was pleased with the performance of his team, which was practicing on its home field turf for the first time in the preseason.
“We wanted to get on the turf and get a little work, let the guys tackle, run around, have some extended drives and get after it a little bit,” Gundy said. “There was a lot of contact, and we really extended guys. We wanted to go out and push them and see how they could hold up in the heat.”
While temperatures were in the low to mid-90s, Gundy pointed out that the temperature on the turf was well over 100 degrees. The OSU coach added that he was impressed with the way his players were able to push through fatigue in the heat.
“Mentally, I think they're in really good shape right now,” Gundy said. “We just have to keep pushing them through these next four or five days. These are the toughest days. This is the 15th practice and when you're in it this long, you're grinding.
“They go home at 10 or 10:30 (p.m.) after meetings and get back up at 6 (a.m.) and come in to study tape and lift. Right now is when they have to push themselves through it.”
OSU senior offensive lineman Corey Hilliard echoed his coach's sentiments that the Cowboys were staying mentally, as well as physically, strong.
“We feel good (mentally),” Hilliard said. “This is just a part of going through camp. You're gonna have days where you hit a wall and are sore. The coaches have been pushing us.
“You look forward to the good days, like the first game, and that gets you through most practices.”
After going through a major scrimmage just last Saturday, Hilliard said he has already seen improvement in the Cowboys' play since that outing.
“We've improved, but we've still got a long way to go,” Hilliard said. “We've got guys stepping up and making plays. I'm not satisfied, but I'm happy with the progress we're making.”
One of the areas that continues to progress is the offensive line. Three starters return from last season, but the Cowboys have several candidates battling for playing time up front.
“We're coming along,” said Hilliard, a four-year starter for the Cowboys. “We've got a lot of guys fighting for the guard spots, and they're getting better every day.”
“I just tell them to keep their heads up and not let a mistake get them down. It's about getting better every day. There are challenges every day, and you just have to work hard.”
