Spring Practice Begins This Saturday for Maryland Football
3/27/2001 7:00:00 AM | Football
March 27, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland football team opens its first spring practice under head coach Ralph Friedgen this Saturday, March 31, at the football practice fields on the UMCP campus.
The Terrapins, who were 5-6 a year ago (3-5 ACC), return eight offensive and eight defensive starters from last year's squad. The big story this spring, however, is the return of Friedgen, the Maryland alum and former assistant who took over the reigns of the program in the offseason after serving as Georgia Tech's offensive coordinator in the 2000 season.
Friedgen and his new staff -- which includes six new members, two holdovers from the previous staff and two former collegiate head coaches -- will hold 15 practice sessions this spring including the annual spring game on April 28. All practices will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with times to be announced.
The following is a breakdown of events surrounding this year's spring drills:
PRESS CONFERENCE: Friedgen's press conference for spring ball, initially scheduled for this Wednesday, has been moved to Thursday, April 5, at Noon, due to the Maryland basketball team's advancement to the Final Four. The press conference will take place on the second floor of the Tyser Tower press box and will feature Friedgen and several players (if possible).
PRACTICE COVERAGE AND ATTENDANCE: This year's spring practices are presently open to local media and the public by reservation only. Media members who wish to attend practice should contact Greg Creese (301-314-7065) in the Maryland Athletics Media Relations Department. Fans interested in attending practice may do so by contacting Karyl Henry (301-314-7096) in the football office.
IMPORTANT DATES Saturday, March 31 First Day of Practice Thursday, April 5 Friedgen Press Conference (Noon) Saturday, April 28 Spring Game/Last Day of Spring Ball (4:00 p.m.)PRACTICE DATES (times TBA, dates subject to change) Saturday, March 31 Practice #1 Tuesday, April 3 Practice #2 Wednesday, April 4 Practice #3 Thursday, April 5 Practice #4 (Press Conference at Noon) Saturday, April 7 Practice #5 Tuesday, April 10 Practice #6 Wednesday, April 11 Practice #7 Thursday, April 12 Practice #8 Saturday, April 14 Practice #9 Tuesday, April 17 Practice #10 Thursday, April 19 Practice #11 Saturday, April 21 Practice #12 Tuesday, April 24 Practice #13 Thursday April 26 Practice #14 Saturday, April 28 Practice #15/Spring Game
RED-WHITE GAME FESTIVITIES The annual Red-White Game will take place on Saturday, April 28, at 4:00 p.m. at Byrd Stadium. This year's game will feature a number of activities and interactive games that will take place on the stadium's main concourse. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to meet members of the 2001 Terrapin football team and the new coaching staff.
