Boston College Athletics
Temperatures Rise At Football Camp
August 18, 2009 | Football
Aug. 18, 2009
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Record-setting temperatures greeted the BC football team at Shea Field for their 11th practice of the preseason.
The temperature reached 95 degrees, tying the all-time high set in 2002.
Practice opened with a simulated two-minute drill that ended with a field goal attempt. Receivers caught quick out passes and then the offense had to line up quickly to kill the clock. The field goal unit then hustled out to get off a quick kick with seconds remaining. Both senior Steve Aponavicius and sophomore Ryan Quigley were perfect on their attempts, the longest of which came from approximately 30 yards.
Senior captain Mike McLaughlin, sidelined with an Achilles injury, showed his desire to get back on the field by hitting a one-man sled from his knees over and over again. According to head coach Frank Spaziani in his press conference last Friday, McLaughlin is right where he needs to be in his rehabilitation.
As much as the searing heat was trying to diminish the players' spirits, it seemed to ignite the coaches and fuel their intensity. They ran up and down the field just as much as the special teams, calling out signals and pointing players in the right direction.
The Eagles will practice again tomorrow morning before moving back to Alumni Stadium on Wednesday night for their second scrimmage of the preseason.
More Preseason Honors For Castonzo, Tennant
Junior Anthony Castonzo and senior Matt Tennant have both been named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List, given annually to the college football lineman - offense or defense - who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi.
The offensive line duo was also named to the All-ACC Preseason Team in July. Tennant is also a part of the Rimington Trophy Watch List, awarded to the most outstanding college offensive center in the nation.
BC ranked 25th in the country in tackles for a loss allowed (4.77) and 49th in sacks allowed (1.69). Castonzo and Tennant paved the way for Montel Harris to break BC freshman records with 900 rushing yards and five 100-yard performances. Harris and classmate Josh Haden were also the second-most prolific true freshman backfield duo in the country in 2008, averaging 106 yards a game.
