June 27, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - With the season opener just over two months away, the University of Maryland football team is halfway through its summer workout program.

Director of strength and conditioning Dwight Galt has overseen voluntary training for 103 players in preparation for the start of preseason camp on Aug. 4. Emphasizing discipline, expectations and encouragement during the weekday workouts, Galt has been impressed with what he has seen through four weeks from the senior-laden squad that includes 31 players entering their final season of eligibility.

"The summer has gone nothing short of phenomenal to this point," Galt said. "As far as the program I've been asking them to do, it's probably the hardest we've ever done since Coach (Ralph) Friedgen has been here."

The Terps made their fifth bowl game in seven seasons under Friedgen last year, but they are looking for more this fall. The players began preparing for the 2008 season in January with winter workouts and continued the training with five weeks of spring practice.

Summer workouts are the final leg of the preparation before preseason camp opens.

Tried-and-true training methods have been enhanced by the introduction of more innovative techniques for developing players' strength, speed and agility. Galt has diversified the exercise regimen this summer through incorporating hill-training, sand workouts and the pulling of wooden sleds.

Several players also are complementing their running and lifting by taking a yoga class in order to increase flexibility.

Now in his 25th year at Maryland, Galt found it hard to single out any individuals for their work this summer.

"It's really hard to pick out just a couple of kids who do a really good job because there are a ton of them," Galt said. "It's really a neat thing as a strength coach to have so many kids who work so hard. You leave here at the end of the day and you're so proud of them for the effort they put in, especially with how much you throw at them."

Those demands will persist for Terps football players for most of the next month, with summer testing taking place in mid-July.

Both summer workouts and preseason camp will culminate when Maryland plays host to Delaware in the season opener on Aug. 30.

Upcoming Key Dates:

July 20-22 - ACC Kickoff at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.
Aug. 2 - Freshmen report to campus
Aug. 3 - Varsity reports to campus
Aug. 4 - Football preseason camp opens/Media Day
Aug. 30 - Season opener vs. Delaware

Terp Notes:

Hall of Fame Induction: Former Terp Eric Hicks was inducted into the Metropolitan Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame earlier this week. Hicks was a four-year letterwinner (1994-97) with the Terps and played 10 seasons (1998-2007) with the Kansas City Chiefs after signing as an undrafted free agent. Hicks was on the New York Jets roster last year before being released. A native of Erie, Pa., Hicks told the Erie-Times News his career might be over, but it's been a great ride.

Two Former Terps Shining in AFL: Former Terps Charles Hill and Marlon Moye-Moore are gearing up for the 2008 Arena Football League playoffs. Hill, who plays along the offensive and defensive lines, and Moye-Moore, a fullback/linebacker, are currently playing for the Orlando Predators. Both will suit up for the team's Wild Card game against the Cleveland Gladiators at 7 p.m. Monday (ESPN2). With three wins, their team can earn a trip to New Orleans to play in ArenaBowl XXII on July 27.