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HD: Keuck brings high energy
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MU MIke Offline
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HUNTINGTON -- It’s probably best that Larry Kueck doesn’t buy into omens.

Minutes after Kueck’s first practice as Marshall’s interim head football coach began, a wintry mix of sleet and snow blanketed the Joan C. Edwards Stadium field. Inclement conditions didn’t slow Kueck and his new-look Thundering Herd, however, during a high-energy, fast-paced workout Friday afternoon.

Tempo was the first tangible thumb print applied by Kueck, who took over the program Wednesday following the surprise retirement of Bobby Pruett. Kueck’s first practice lasted about one hour and 45 minutes, about 15 minutes shorter than a typical Pruett workout.

"What we want to do is try to practice with intensity, practice with speed and practice with concentration," Kueck said. "I sat down and visited with the players about it and told them exactly what we want to do. This works if you do it. It’s on you now.

"It’s maybe a little shorter than normal but that’s part of the deal. What we’re calling it is ‘hit it, get it and let’s get home.’ They did a great job of it today. The proof in the pudding is practice No. 14. Are we at the same speed?"

Thundering Herd players appear to have rebounded well from Pruett’s retirement. Despite the chilly conditions, players said practice provided an ideal elixir from outside distractions.

"We were surprised just like everybody was throughout Huntington but we’re here to play football and what we have to do is keep going," right guard John Inman said. "We’re going to a new conference (Conference USA), bigger and better people and we have to step it up.

"It takes your mind off things, and it’s a great escape to get away from everything from the outside world."

Friday’s session featured limited down time. Players were in near constant motion, quickly making their way from station to station.

Running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Gerwin Williams were among numerous players to offer early thumbs-up to the change in pace.

"It’s a lot faster and what it does is keep you on task," Williams said. "When it’s going so fast like this you’ve got to be paying attention and you’ve got to watch the coaches, what their moves are going to be and who they want in and out.

"I think it’s going to be a good thing for us."

Bradshaw agreed, saying Friday’s pace provided a needed spark.

"Last year we didn’t have the right type of leadership to get us going," Bradshaw said. "I guess he felt that led to our (struggles), so I feel our tempo is going to step our game up a lot."

Bradshaw, Williams and their teammates had just two days to digest Pruett’s exit before taking the field under their new coach. The quick turnaround wasn’t evident on the field, however, with players remaining enthusiastic throughout.

Kueck was cautiously pleased with his first practice as a Division I-A head coach.

"It’s hard for me to say what their mood is," Kueck said. "The kids I’ve talked to have been pretty positive. Of course the positive kids are going to talk to you. The only thing I can judge it by is how hard they go at it in practice and I thought they did a super job.

"The energy was good."

Spring practice, which is open to the public, continues at 2 p.m. today at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
03-12-2005 08:22 AM
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