Aug. 17, 2009
RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech returned to the grind of preseason camp Monday with the team's second scheduled two-a-days practice day as the Bulldogs continued preparations for the 2009 season. The Bulldogs worked hard on fundamentals in the morning and focused on situational scenarios during the evening practice.
The morning practice, which focused on fundamentals and individual and group work, was held at the Jim Mize Track Facility while the evening practice was focused on situational scenarios and was held under the lights at Joe Aillet Stadium.
"Today was a two-a-day practice schedule and the morning practice was a reset and re-evaluate where we are," said Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley. "We made a couple of personnel changes and this morning we had a good, hard, tough, fundamental football practice, almost like day one. Tonight, we got into a lot more situational work, particularly in the red zone. We also introduced our package with four minutes left and on offense, ahead and trying to bleed the clock. If you are a good football team, eight of your 12 games are going to come down to the last four minutes of the game. It's a one-possession scenario and we need to be good at it, we need to be smart and in order to do that, it takes a lot of practice and a lot of work."
The Bulldogs were challenged to remain focused on preseason preparations after spending Sunday afternoon meeting fans and signing autographs at the school's annual Fan Fest at the Thomas Assembly Center.
"I think it is tough to maintain focus throughout camp," commented Dooley. "We try to keep everything on the short term. I thought Sunday was a good reset, start over day. We have three practices then another scrimmage. Tomorrow will be another situational-type practice. Of course it is hard to keep focus but we try not to make it monotonous by introducing new situations, introducing new types of practice and keeping them focused on the short term."
Sunday's Fan Fest program was the first time Tech fans were able to see the team and this year's freshman class, in particular, up front and close. With the team working hard on building on the momentum created during last year's 8-5 campaign and Independence Bowl win, the coaching staff is keeping a keen eye on a talented freshman class.
"The freshman class is everything we hoped for," Dooley said. "We are happy they are all here and time will tell who is going to help us. Certainly, the guys who have the best chance to help us are in the areas where we need the most help. We have been pleased with the freshman but time will tell because this is a long grind."
Season tickets are currently on sale as the Bulldogs play five home games at Joe Aillet Stadium, including Nicholls State (Sept. 19), Hawaii (Sept. 30), New Mexico State (Oct. 17), Boise State (Nov. 6) and San Jose State (Dec. 5).
Tech ticket manager Zach Williams also said season tickets will continue to be sold up to the Bulldogs first home game against Nicholls State.
One of the best deals is the Family Pack. For only $275, the Family Pack consists of two adult and three children tickets for all five home games.
Single game tickets and season tickets can both be ordered by logging onto www.LATechSports.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Williams also said group single game ticket rates for the east side of the stadium are being offered. Groups can purchase 20 to 49 tickets for $8 each, 50 to 99 tickets for $7 each and 100-plus tickets for $6 each.
Single game tickets for road games at Auburn ($40) and Navy ($32) are on sale to the general public as well while LSU ($45) tickets are available only to season ticket holders and LTAC members.
Tech fans with youngsters are encouraged to sign them up for the inaugural LA Tech Kids Club. For only a $30 fee for the year, LA Tech Kids Club members receive free admission to all Tech home regular season sporting events as well as additional benefits such as club t-shirt and more.
To sign up for the LA Tech Kids Club, contact Nicki Brostek at 318-257-2507 or e-mail nbrostek@latech.edu.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Football, please visit the official home of LA Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
