BLOG 5: Pierce happy with energy level so far

Ferris State University quarterback Robert Banaszak throws a pass during spring practice on Thursday afternoon at Top Taggart Field (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – It’s still the first week, but Ferris State University football head coach Jeff Pierce is pleased with the energy level he has seen in his players so far.

Coming off winter workouts, recently concluded with the Lift-A-Thon, Pierce could hardly have been more pleased with the way his team has jumped enthusiastically into spring practice.

“We just had our second practice and we’re getting ready for our first in pads (April 3), but you can already see the energy level is a lot higher and guys are very excited to be out here playing football and working hard,” Pierce said as his team is coming off a record of 6-5 last fall, but with hopes for bigger and better things this coming fall. “It’s nice to see we have guys who are out here competing and competing with enthusiasm.”

Generally, a smaller version of the team competes during the spring with departed seniors having moved on from last fall. But, the players who are back in crimson and gold colors have their sights set on moving up the depth chart that will be in place when the team returns for August preseason practice.

This week, practice started Tuesday and resumed Thursday as the Bulldogs squeezed in a very productive session before the rains started to fall at Top Taggart Field. Practice resumes today (April 3) at 3:30 p.m. The first week of spring practice wraps up with a Saturday-morning (April 4) session that begins at 8 a.m.

The energy level already was high, but that could change. Expect the intensity level to pick up with this afternoon’s scheduled practice as the players put on the pads for the first time.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com