April 17, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The Maryland football team hit the practice field Tuesday afternoon for the first time since Saturday's 130-play situational scrimmage in Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium.
Head coach Ralph Friedgen and the coaching staff had a couple of days to review the film, which featured some pluses and minuses.
"I wasn't displeased with our effort in the scrimmage," Friedgen said. "I thought they went out and gave it their all. We have a chance to be a good football team if we can build some consistency."
Friedgen didn't think Tuesday's two-hour practice was as sharp as the scrimmage.
"I didn't think it was that good offensively, though it was pretty good defensively," Friedgen said after Tuesday's practice. "We've got to get more consistency. We've got to get more pride in what we're doing and everyone's got to do it. We've got some guys not doing anything and some guys busting their butts."
The place-kicking game looked improved from Saturday's scrimmage which saw just 3 of 8 field goal attempts go through the uprights.
Junior Obi Egekeze and freshman Travis Baltz combined to go 7-for-8 at the beginning of practice under windy conditions. The duo hit field goals from between 22 and 45 yards.
Egekeze also connected on his only attempt, a 33-yarder, at the end of practice, while Baltz was good on both his tries, from 40 and 42 yards.
There were more than just thoughts of football after Tuesday's practice. Monday's tragedy at Virginia Tech was on the minds of everyone and will be for some time. One of Friedgen's closest friends is Hokies' head coach Frank Beamer, though the two haven't yet had a chance to speak.
"My wife talked to his wife and sent our sympathy," Friedgen said. "They are going through a tough time. I'm sure he's got everyone calling and I'm going to see him in a week or so.
"I'm not sure how you deal with something of that magnitude," Friedgen said. "You try to do the best you can."
This incident hits somewhat close to home for Friedgen and the team. Not only are Friedgen and Beamer close, but the schools have played in the same conference the last two seasons.
"This is something that can happen anywhere," Friedgen said. "I don't know how you safeguard from something like that. It just seems to be happening more and more. I think everyone is going to look reasons why, but I'm not sure we'll know."
Friedgen addressed the team and told them to say a prayer and keep them in their thoughts.
As Friedgen said, "life is short."
Terp Notes: The Terps have five more workouts scheduled this spring, including the Red-White Game at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium ... the players will be available from 1-2 p.m. for autographs in the stadium ... the team hits the practice field again at 4 p.m. Thursday.
