Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
HILLTOPPERS PRESEASON CAMP - AUG. 16
Practice Photos
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The first day of full pads for the West Liberty University football team gave head coach Roger Waialae the opportunity to make a point at the end of Monday’s session.
“We need to be going full speed from start to finish,” Waialae said. “I thought we stepped up the tempo and got after it pretty good today in the 7-on-7 and team stuff but there shouldn’t be a change in pace when we go from one segment to the next. We have to practice fast to play fast.”
The coaching staff split the team into two groups for 7-on-7 work in order to cut down on the number of players standing around waiting for reps.
The No. 1 offense performed pretty well with QB Zach Amedro spreading the ball around to an assortment of receivers. Returning WRs Willie Walker and Ryan Travis came up with several nice catches while returning TB Kevon Calhoun continued to impress with some dazzing RACs (runs after catches). RBs DeVaughn Gordon and Arvin Bell also got in the mix.
The defense got its licks in, too. LBs Clay Beeler and Mike Buffo performed well in coverage along with FS Lawrence Robinson. Transfer SS Alec Wood saved a score by flying in to tumble Travis out of bounds inside the 5.
Meanwhile in the south end zone, the linemen were banging heads in another spirited 1-on-1 session. Redshirt junior OG Jose Baez continued to excel against all comers. Senior OL Ralph Petrella’s comeback rolled on with another series of strong showings as he battles back after missing the 2009 season. OL Josh Varney, another player who sat out last year, and returning All-WVIAC center Nick Madia also looked strong. Starting DT Matt Betz returned to the field after sitting out a couple of days with hamstring problems and showed no ill effects, winning all of his matchups except for one with Baez. Returning starters DE Ryan Mirich and DT Leonidas Redding more than held their own along with returning DE Raphael Johnson and transfer DL Nick Augustyn.
A water break was followed by some special teams work. Kickers Mike Blewett and Jeff Hoak were a bit erratic, at times, but Blewett did connect on several kicks from 40+ yards. Blewett also performed pretty well during the punt session.
Monday’s practice wrapped up with an extended team session of offense vs. defense with split squads in use once again.
Highlighting this sequence were a pair of 40-yard TD strikes from Amedro to Walker. Each time, Walker slipped off press coverage and got separation down the sideline, catching the perfectly-thrown passes without breaking stride. Transfer WR Brandon Carver showed good hands and route-running ability in his first extended work. The coaches were also pleased with the protection Amedro received from an offensive line unit that is off to an impressive start in camp.
Returning starters WS Jayson Keyser and CB Josh Madrid made some plays on the defensive side of the ball along with newcomers Wood and CB Justin Black. Redding and Betz were strong against the run on the interior.
The Hilltoppers will have their first double session of the preseason on Tuesday, going in full pads at 9 a.m. before coming back in tops (helmet and shoulder pads) at 3 p.m.
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The first day of full pads for the West Liberty University football team gave head coach Roger Waialae the opportunity to make a point at the end of Monday’s session.
“We need to be going full speed from start to finish,” Waialae said. “I thought we stepped up the tempo and got after it pretty good today in the 7-on-7 and team stuff but there shouldn’t be a change in pace when we go from one segment to the next. We have to practice fast to play fast.”
The coaching staff split the team into two groups for 7-on-7 work in order to cut down on the number of players standing around waiting for reps.
The No. 1 offense performed pretty well with QB Zach Amedro spreading the ball around to an assortment of receivers. Returning WRs Willie Walker and Ryan Travis came up with several nice catches while returning TB Kevon Calhoun continued to impress with some dazzing RACs (runs after catches). RBs DeVaughn Gordon and Arvin Bell also got in the mix.
The defense got its licks in, too. LBs Clay Beeler and Mike Buffo performed well in coverage along with FS Lawrence Robinson. Transfer SS Alec Wood saved a score by flying in to tumble Travis out of bounds inside the 5.
Meanwhile in the south end zone, the linemen were banging heads in another spirited 1-on-1 session. Redshirt junior OG Jose Baez continued to excel against all comers. Senior OL Ralph Petrella’s comeback rolled on with another series of strong showings as he battles back after missing the 2009 season. OL Josh Varney, another player who sat out last year, and returning All-WVIAC center Nick Madia also looked strong. Starting DT Matt Betz returned to the field after sitting out a couple of days with hamstring problems and showed no ill effects, winning all of his matchups except for one with Baez. Returning starters DE Ryan Mirich and DT Leonidas Redding more than held their own along with returning DE Raphael Johnson and transfer DL Nick Augustyn.
A water break was followed by some special teams work. Kickers Mike Blewett and Jeff Hoak were a bit erratic, at times, but Blewett did connect on several kicks from 40+ yards. Blewett also performed pretty well during the punt session.
Monday’s practice wrapped up with an extended team session of offense vs. defense with split squads in use once again.
Highlighting this sequence were a pair of 40-yard TD strikes from Amedro to Walker. Each time, Walker slipped off press coverage and got separation down the sideline, catching the perfectly-thrown passes without breaking stride. Transfer WR Brandon Carver showed good hands and route-running ability in his first extended work. The coaches were also pleased with the protection Amedro received from an offensive line unit that is off to an impressive start in camp.
Returning starters WS Jayson Keyser and CB Josh Madrid made some plays on the defensive side of the ball along with newcomers Wood and CB Justin Black. Redding and Betz were strong against the run on the interior.
The Hilltoppers will have their first double session of the preseason on Tuesday, going in full pads at 9 a.m. before coming back in tops (helmet and shoulder pads) at 3 p.m.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
HILLTOPPERS PRESEASON CAMP - AUG. 15
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University football team had a noticeable jump in its step during Sunday afternoon’s spirited preseason workout.
“This was our best day so far,” head coach Roger Waialae said as his nationally-ranked squad headed for the showers following their first day in shoulder pads. “It was hot again but the guys were going hard, having fun and encouraging each other. We looked a little bit more like a football team today.”
Sunday’s highlight was the first session of 1-on-1s between members of the offensive and defensive lines taking place in one of the end zones.
The ones, twos and threes rotated through 7-on-7s at the other end of the field while the linemen popped pads for the first time this summer.
Junior-college transfer Jose Baez, who seems primed to step in at one of the starting guard spots, dominated virtually all of his matchups in impressive fashion. Returning All-WVIAC center Nick Madia also did well along with two more juco transfers, Larry Wriedt and Ryan Scaperotta. Offensive line coach Dan Hopkins seemed generally pleased with the performance of his group as a whole.
On the defensive side, returning starters Isaac Omaits, Ryan Mirich and Leonidas Redding looked strong. Junior college transfer Nick Augustyn and true freshman Jake Lilly were the most impressive new faces but the coaches agreed that both lines seemed to be competing at a higher level this year.
Zach Amedro had another good day throwing during the 7-on-7s. Kevon Calhoun, Ryan Travis, Willie Walker, Pauly Ferguson and Brandon Schroeder all pulled down several completions from the returning All-American. Amedro and Walker concluded the “ones” workout with a 60-yard touchdown bomb for the second straight day.
Redshirt freshman QB Tyler Tucci made some impressive throws during his reps. Kevin Board, Arvin Bell, Lloyd Phillips and Vinnie Candelore all found themselves on the receiving end of passes from Tucci. Backup tailback DeVaughn Gordon got some opportunities at slot receiver on Sunday and impressed with good hands and some crisp route-running. Gordon and promising true freshman B.J. Hendrix each pulled in 25-yard crossing patterns from Tucci and turned them into 60-yard scoring plays.
The workout wound down with some offense and special-teams work before a 15-minute conditioning session led by Coach Hopkins wrapped up the activities for the day.
West Liberty sports information director Matt Watson snapped some pictures of Sunday’s workout. Here’s a link to Matt’s shots: Hilltopper Training Camp Photos - Aug. 15
“This was our best day so far,” head coach Roger Waialae said as his nationally-ranked squad headed for the showers following their first day in shoulder pads. “It was hot again but the guys were going hard, having fun and encouraging each other. We looked a little bit more like a football team today.”
Sunday’s highlight was the first session of 1-on-1s between members of the offensive and defensive lines taking place in one of the end zones.
The ones, twos and threes rotated through 7-on-7s at the other end of the field while the linemen popped pads for the first time this summer.
Junior-college transfer Jose Baez, who seems primed to step in at one of the starting guard spots, dominated virtually all of his matchups in impressive fashion. Returning All-WVIAC center Nick Madia also did well along with two more juco transfers, Larry Wriedt and Ryan Scaperotta. Offensive line coach Dan Hopkins seemed generally pleased with the performance of his group as a whole.
On the defensive side, returning starters Isaac Omaits, Ryan Mirich and Leonidas Redding looked strong. Junior college transfer Nick Augustyn and true freshman Jake Lilly were the most impressive new faces but the coaches agreed that both lines seemed to be competing at a higher level this year.
Zach Amedro had another good day throwing during the 7-on-7s. Kevon Calhoun, Ryan Travis, Willie Walker, Pauly Ferguson and Brandon Schroeder all pulled down several completions from the returning All-American. Amedro and Walker concluded the “ones” workout with a 60-yard touchdown bomb for the second straight day.
Redshirt freshman QB Tyler Tucci made some impressive throws during his reps. Kevin Board, Arvin Bell, Lloyd Phillips and Vinnie Candelore all found themselves on the receiving end of passes from Tucci. Backup tailback DeVaughn Gordon got some opportunities at slot receiver on Sunday and impressed with good hands and some crisp route-running. Gordon and promising true freshman B.J. Hendrix each pulled in 25-yard crossing patterns from Tucci and turned them into 60-yard scoring plays.
The workout wound down with some offense and special-teams work before a 15-minute conditioning session led by Coach Hopkins wrapped up the activities for the day.
West Liberty sports information director Matt Watson snapped some pictures of Sunday’s workout. Here’s a link to Matt’s shots: Hilltopper Training Camp Photos - Aug. 15
Saturday, August 14, 2010
HILLTOPPERS PRESEASON CAMP - AUG. 14
Pics
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – A lot of tongues were dragging at the end of West Liberty’s Saturday afternoon practice session under the scorching summer sun at Russek Field.
And head coach Roger Waialae was loving it.
“I know the guys were feeling it out there today,” Waialae said after a second straight practice with on-field temperatures well into the triple digits, “but you need days like this in the preseason to build stamina and get acclimated to performing in the heat.
“Last year’s camp was one of the coolest we’ve had since I’ve been here and I think it had an effect when we caught a pretty warm day for our opener at Edinboro.”
With the players still going in helmets, T-shirts and shorts, the 2 ½-hour session opened with an extensive assortment of conditioning drills followed by an hour of offensive and defensive work led by various position coaches.
The highlight of the afternoon was the first 7-on-7 work of the summer. Not surprisingly, many of the Hilltoppers’ returning standouts appeared ready to pick up right where they had left off last November.
Senior QB Zach Amedro was on target with nearly every throw, connecting on numerous short, intermediate and deep routes. Returning senior WR Willie Walker hauled in a pair of 60-yard TD bombs from Amedro while fellow senior WR Ryan Travis worked his patented intermediate routes to near-perfection.
Senior letterman Pauly Ferguson and redshirt freshman Brandon Schroeder also got into the pass-catching act. Senior standout TB Kevon Calhoun looked sharp with sophomores DeVaughn Gordon and Arvin Bell also getting reps with the first unit.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Tucci and sophomore Chris Kiedaisch got most of the work under center with the “twos” and “threes,” along with true freshman Cody Cernansky. Tucci connected with Kevin Board, Vinnie Candelore and Lloyd Phillips during his stint while Kiedaisch hit Schroeder with a 60-yard scoring strike. Schroeder outleaped his defender to make the catch at the 20 and then won the footrace to the end zone.
Junior college transfer CB Justin Black impressed with his coverage skills and looks ready to challenge for a starting spot. Veteran LBs Clay Beeler, Mike Buffo and Freddy Kimbro obviously relished being back on the field and the outside safeties – Jayson Keyser, Lawrence Robinson and transfer Alec Wood – also looked sharp. True freshman FS Marco Ricchetti had two interceptions during the “twos” and “threes” session.
West Liberty sports information director Matt Watson was on hand to take pictures of Saturday’s drills. Here’s a link to Matt’s pictures: West Liberty Camp Photos - Aug. 14 .
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – A lot of tongues were dragging at the end of West Liberty’s Saturday afternoon practice session under the scorching summer sun at Russek Field.
And head coach Roger Waialae was loving it.
“I know the guys were feeling it out there today,” Waialae said after a second straight practice with on-field temperatures well into the triple digits, “but you need days like this in the preseason to build stamina and get acclimated to performing in the heat.
“Last year’s camp was one of the coolest we’ve had since I’ve been here and I think it had an effect when we caught a pretty warm day for our opener at Edinboro.”
With the players still going in helmets, T-shirts and shorts, the 2 ½-hour session opened with an extensive assortment of conditioning drills followed by an hour of offensive and defensive work led by various position coaches.
The highlight of the afternoon was the first 7-on-7 work of the summer. Not surprisingly, many of the Hilltoppers’ returning standouts appeared ready to pick up right where they had left off last November.
Senior QB Zach Amedro was on target with nearly every throw, connecting on numerous short, intermediate and deep routes. Returning senior WR Willie Walker hauled in a pair of 60-yard TD bombs from Amedro while fellow senior WR Ryan Travis worked his patented intermediate routes to near-perfection.
Senior letterman Pauly Ferguson and redshirt freshman Brandon Schroeder also got into the pass-catching act. Senior standout TB Kevon Calhoun looked sharp with sophomores DeVaughn Gordon and Arvin Bell also getting reps with the first unit.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Tucci and sophomore Chris Kiedaisch got most of the work under center with the “twos” and “threes,” along with true freshman Cody Cernansky. Tucci connected with Kevin Board, Vinnie Candelore and Lloyd Phillips during his stint while Kiedaisch hit Schroeder with a 60-yard scoring strike. Schroeder outleaped his defender to make the catch at the 20 and then won the footrace to the end zone.
Junior college transfer CB Justin Black impressed with his coverage skills and looks ready to challenge for a starting spot. Veteran LBs Clay Beeler, Mike Buffo and Freddy Kimbro obviously relished being back on the field and the outside safeties – Jayson Keyser, Lawrence Robinson and transfer Alec Wood – also looked sharp. True freshman FS Marco Ricchetti had two interceptions during the “twos” and “threes” session.
West Liberty sports information director Matt Watson was on hand to take pictures of Saturday’s drills. Here’s a link to Matt’s pictures: West Liberty Camp Photos - Aug. 14 .
Friday, August 13, 2010
Defending WVIAC Champs Kick Off Preseason Camp
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty’s defending West Virginia Conference champion football team kicked off its first full practice session of preseason camp Friday afternoon on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the summer.
With field-level temperatures hovering near the 120-degree mark under a blazing sun, head coach Roger Waialae and his staff were generally pleased with the results following a brisk 2 ½-hour workout.
Most of the day was spent familiarizing players with the offensive and defensive systems while introducing the newcomers to the techniques and drills they’ll be expected to perform on a daily basis for the rest of the month.
Since this was the first full day of practice, there were no team periods or 1-on-1s. The offense and defense remained in their own position groups throughout the session.
Record-setting senior QB Zach Amedro, who sat out spring drills to preserve his final semester of eligibility, showed no signs of rust after the layoff while senior TB Kevon Calhoun, coming off a breakout season with 1,529 rushing yards and 22 TDs, appears to have added 10 pounds of muscle over the off-season without sacrificing any of his speed or burst.
Returning WRs Ryan Travis and Willie Walker looked to be in midseason form and true freshman B.J. Hendrix, a high school running back, turned some heads with his speed and athleticism while working with the wide receivers.
Offensive line coach Dan Hopkins and defensive line coach Brad Forshey put their charges through some intense sessions. Offensive lineman Ralph Petrella seemed re-energized after sitting out the 2009 season while defensive linemen Isaac Omaits and Nathan Parry were noticeably bigger and stronger.
The defensive secondary appears to have undergone a significant upgrade with the addition of such newcomers as Alec Wood, Justin Black, Laurence Johnson and Marco Ricchetti while returning senior linebackers Clay Beeler, Mike Buffo and Freddy Kimbro obviously put in a lot of quality workout time during the summer.
A handful of the newer players were held out of practice waiting for insurance paperwork to be cleared up but are expected to hit the field in a few days.
West Liberty sports information director Matt Watson braved the triple-digit mercury to snap some pictures of the opening session. Here’s a link to Matt’s pictures: West Liberty Training Camp Photo Gallery
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