Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Team Set to Open Practice Wednesday
8/4/2003 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2003
LEWISBURG, Pa. - In preparation for its first-ever game in the month of August, the Bucknell football team opens its preseason practice slate on Wednesday, Aug. 6. With first-year head coach Tim Landis at the helm, the Bison veterans hit the practice field at 8:15 a.m., while the newcomers practice together for the first time at 3:15 p.m.
Bucknell opens its 2003 campaign at home against Duquesne on Saturday, Aug. 30 - the earliest contest in school history. The early opener will make for a busy month of August for Landis, who will attend the Patriot League media day in Bethlehem, Pa., on Tuesday before hustling home to check his team back onto campus later that evening.
A total of 93 players are expected to suit up for the first day of practice, including 26 first-year players. Despite coming off a disappointing 2-9 season, Bucknell's first losing campaign since 1994, optimism is high in Bison camp. The Bucknell offense will use the preseason to fine-tune its new spread option offensive attack, which Landis successfully utilized in previous head coaching stints at Davidson and St. Mary's (Calif.). The defense, under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Tripp Merritt, will also have a new look with a 4-4 set. A total of 12 starters return to the mix, including seven on offense.
Following Wednesday's practice, the full Bison squad will work out at 2:30 p.m. over each of the next four days before embarking on a double session on Monday, Aug. 11.
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