<a href='http://www.ecupirates.com/index.php?url_channel_id=2&url_publish_channel_id=5987&url_subchannel_id=&well_id=2' target='_blank'>Pirates Take To The Practice Field For The First Time In 2004</a>

Quote:Pirates Take To The Practice Field For The First Time In 2004

08/10/2004

GREENVILLE, N.C. — With the morning dew still fresh on the ground, East Carolina held its first practice of the 2004 season Tuesday at the Cliff Moore Practice Facility. The team split up into two groups with each group spending approximately two hours on the practice field and one-hour lifting weights and getting treatments.

"Our guys got some quality work and some quality reps this morning," said second-year head coach John Thompson. "We got to look at a lot of young people. There are going to be a lot of new faces, whether they be junior college transfers, true freshmen or guys that have to rise up and they're going to get a chance. This week is critical for them because they are going to get so much attention, but today was a good day."

A year ago the players and coaches were just getting acquainted with one another and wondering what to expect. One year later, the two have grown together and know each other a lot better.

"Everybody knew what we were going to be like today and we got a much better response," stated Thompson. "We've been looking forward to today for a long time."

The coaching staff put the team through a variety of drills, teaching and installing a new offensive system. One of the parts of that system will be senior running back Art Brown, who took part in his first fall practice since 2002. Brown missed the entire 2003 season with a knee injury after rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a junior in 2002.

"It was very good to see number 33 [Brown] out there," Thompson exclaimed. "Art looked good out there today."

The Pirates will be back at practice at 8:15 for the remainder of the week.

<a href='http://www.ecu.edu/athletics/photos/10_Aug_2004/' target='_blank'>Page 1 of the photos from practice!</a>


<span style='font-size:30pt;line-height:100%'><span style='font-family:Impact'><span style='color:purple'>JUST WIN!</span></span></span> :ecu:

Man I wish I could make it to a practice session this week. I should call in sick one day. :D