Knights News
08.13.2010 - [Football]
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The Knights have remained united through excessive heat during training camp.
The Knights have remained united through excessive heat during training camp.
 
INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian University football team had a slightly different look as it opened preseason training camp on Monday. Amid excessive heat advisories, a much more united team greeted head coach Ted Karras Jr. and the coaching staff during the first week of double sessions at St.Vincent Health Field.
 
Coach Karras attributes the increase in team chemistry to having a large group of seniors. "These guys have been through a lot of battles like playing at Pike High School and practicing in the EcoLab," Karras added. "Now seeing the fruits of Marian University's labor by being able to practice in our own stadium has helped them gel a little. Our numbers are more manageable and there is a lot more organization. These guys know each other a little bit better and the 22 newcomers are mixed with a high number of veterans, and there is less time going through procedures."
 
Enduring record temperatures, the Knights have tested, practiced and spent time in film sessions. Each practice begins with individual drills, has a seven-on-seven session and a full team set as the session comes to a close.
 
"The guys have remained pretty focused," said Karras. "Here we are at practice ten and we have to fight through the heat. This is a shortened camp. Usually you have two weeks of doubles and two weeks to get ready, but this year we have two weeks of camp and then game week. So, there is a great sense of urgency among our coaches and our players, and, so far, I would say this is the best camp we have had."
 
The Knights will continue practicing twice a day through Aug. 21 and open the 2010 campaign at St.Vincent Health Field against the University of St. Francis (Ill.) Fighting Saints in the first-ever night game at SVHF. The Knights defeated the Saints on the road 27-24 last season on a last-second field goal.
 
The game will air LIVE on the Knights Football Radio Network on Catholic Radio Indianapolis 89.1 FM (WSPM) and will be simulcast in Muncie, Anderson, Connersville, Lebanon, New Castle and Morristown. Dr. David Pierce (p-b-p) and former Indianapolis Colt Jeff Burris (color) will return for their fourth season broadcasting Knights football.
 
Coverage will begin at 5:45 p.m. with kickoff slated for 6 p.m.