Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Finish Final Workout In Fort Collins
12/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 17, 2005
Conditions for Colorado State University's Poinsettia Bowl game in San Diego next Thursday will be quite a bit different than the Rams' practice conditions Saturday morning.
CSU coach Sonny Lubick put his team through a one-hour workout outdoors in cold, snowy weather in preparation for the team's game against Navy Dec. 22.
With fall semester graduation ceremonies occupying Moby Arena, Lubick was forced to take the team outdoors.
Lubick said the workout went well.
"The kids got excited, and did a good job. It was good to get outside. We cut down practice by about 20 minutes. Today was an 'attitude' practice," Lubick said.
"We had to get some work done. It will be good to get to San Diego, and we have two more days to get some things done."
Lubick said most of the team's offensive and defensive game plans have been installed. He and his staff will spend Monday morning's workout and the Tuesday practice putting the finishing touches on preparations, then have a brief walk-through at Qualcomm Stadium Wednesday. Both the Monday and Tuesday workouts take place at San Diego State University. Monday's workout is scheduled for 10 a.m., while the Tuesday workout begins at noon.
Colorado State's team travel party departs Sunday afternoon, and the team will be featured at a welcome dinner staged by bowl officials at the team hotel.
Lubick said one of his major concerns is the game speed of Navy's wishbone offense.
"We have to get a feel for it. The hardest thing for us will be the speed of the game. I hope we can match that (speed) early in the ballgame," Lubick said.
"They (Navy) will play hard. They are disciplined. We have to play well defensively, and slow them down. They believe in what they are doing," Lubick said of Navy's offense, which leads the nation in rushing per game.
Lubick said a win in the bowl game makes for a happier holiday season for his players and staff, plus sends the team toward the 2006 season with more momentum.
He also said the Rams are healthier than the team has been since early in the season. Defensive end Terrance Carter (left knee) and Jahmal Hall (left knee) both missed several games during the season but appear healthy and able to play.
"This is the healthiest we've been in a long time," Lubick said. "I think the players will be fresher."
Five student-athletes will participate in graduation ceremonies. Tight end Matt Bartz, defensive end Terrance Carter, wide receiver David Anderson, safety Travis Garcia, and quarterback Justin Holland all earned their degrees and will walk during weekend graduation ceremonies.
Colorado State's bowl game also marks the end of a 30-plus year career for head athletic trainer Fred Oglesby, who is retiring early next year.
"We will miss Fred," Lubick said. "He's been excellent for this program. He's well-liked by all the players and the coaches. Fred has sacrificed a lot of time and effort for the program."
Tickets remain for sale by calling 1-800-491-RAMS. Kickoff at Qualcomm Stadium is 7:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on the Colorado State Sports Network including KCOL (600 AM) in Fort Collins and KNUS (710 AM) in Denver. The game will also be shown live by ESPN2.