Bucknell University Athletics
Football Holds Final Practice of Spring
4/29/2016 10:01:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Under a misty rain Friday at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium the Bucknell football team held its final practice of the spring. Instead of utilizing its 15th practice session to hold a traditional spring game, the Bison took to the field in a more practice-like setting.
Bucknell took the field at approximately 6 p.m. and after a brief warmup period, retreated to the sideline for the National Anthem.
Following the National Anthem, four team awards were presented with TE Andrew Podbielski being named Most Improved Offensive Player, DL R.J. Sheldon earning Most Improved Defensive Player and QB Alexander Romango being recognized as the Most Improved Special Teams player for his work as a holder. Additionally, LB Mark Pyles was named the Strength and Conditioning MVP for the second straight year.
Following the awards, head coach Joe Susan announced three team captains for the 2016 season: OL Julie'n Davenport, DL Ben Schumacher and Pyles. It is the second straight year Davenport will serve as team captain. Davenport and Schumacher will be seniors in the fall, while Pyles will be a junior.
With more than 200 potential recruits and their families in the stands as part of an organized junior day, Bucknell then continued with an efficient practice that last approximately two hours. The session included seven-on-seven drills, special teams work and some scrimmaging. Practice concluded with situational work in a scrimmage setting.
Susan was happy with the team's defense on Friday and reminded the team one of the focuses of the program is to not turn the ball over.
Overall, Susan was pleased with the now-complete spring practice season.
“Our quarterback had a good spring and we saw some good things from our wide receivers,” noted Susan. “We still need to improve in the pitch and catch game. Our offensive line is a work in progress due to some injuries, but we have a chance to have five senior starters this year.
“Our defense has some teeth. They play with an attitude and play with confidence. They love what we are doing and it plays to their talents.”
With spring practice over, Susan stressed the need for the team to finish the semester strong.
“We need to finish the semester the right way in the classroom and transition to summer,” said Susan. “We have two four-week summer sessions and it is best when our guys can train with each other. Getting the team together over the summer is critical so they can push each other.”
Bucknell will open its 2016 season Sept. 3 at Marist. The Bison home schedule starts with a Sept. 17 contest against Cornell at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.
