Post by brophy on Dec 28, 2005 11:21:09 GMT -6
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Gators arrive at bowl looking to continue their Urban renewal
By Steve Batterson
Florida football players are scheduled to arrive at their Outback Bowl hotel this morning, hours before hitting the practice field at the University of Tampa for the first time to continue their season-long Urban renewal project.
As they work toward their Jan. 2 game against Iowa, the Gators continue to adjust to the philosophies and style of first-year coach Urban Meyer and a new coaching staff that has led Florida to an 8-3 record.
One year removed from leading Utah to the Fiesta Bowl, Meyer continues to adjust to his new surroundings as well.
“Playing at a bowl that is close to home for most of our players is something new for me, too,’’ Meyer said. “I see it as a great advantage for our players and their families. They can spend some holiday time at home before meeting in Tampa.
“At Utah, our players came from all over the place and that wasn’t possible, or at the least it was a logistical challenge, to get everybody back together. Here, it’s a different deal.’’
On the field, it has been a different deal as well.
Meyer brought his own style to a Gators’ program that had dealt with unmet expectations, multiple arrests and a highly publicized confrontation between former coach Ron Zook, players and members of a fraternity during his three years on the Florida campus.
“He took control quickly and changed the entire attitude of the program,’’ Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley said. “He raised the expectations of our players, both on and off the field. A January bowl game is a fitting reward for the work everybody has put in.’’
Shortly after arriving on campus, Meyer immediately created a leadership council involving 16 players to determine team policy from within.
He also created a “champion’s club’’ and introduced “rookie stripes,’’ a pair of incentive programs.
Players earn champion’s club rewards – mostly higher-quality workout gear or training-table food – based on achievement in the classroom and perfect attendance in class and workouts.
First-year Gators have a black stripe placed on their helmet that can only be removed by a designated “big brother teammate’’ after that teammate determines that the newcomer has proved his worth.
Meyer also introduced his own style of discipline.
Late-night weekend lifting sessions and clean-up detail have become regular deterrents, players who failed to keep the team locker room clean have been barred from using it and players who find themselves on the sidelines with minor aches and pains are required to go to “the pit.’’ There, they shovel sand, carry rocks and lug chains in an area next to where their teammates practice.
“We have expectations and when we meet expectations, there are rewards,’’ Meyer said. “Playing in Jan. 1 or 2 bowl game is one of those rewards. At Florida, we should expect those type of rewards and I think our players and coaches will enjoy working and preparing for a bowl game against an excellent, and very physical, Iowa team.’’
Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com.
Gators arrive at bowl looking to continue their Urban renewal
By Steve Batterson
Florida football players are scheduled to arrive at their Outback Bowl hotel this morning, hours before hitting the practice field at the University of Tampa for the first time to continue their season-long Urban renewal project.
As they work toward their Jan. 2 game against Iowa, the Gators continue to adjust to the philosophies and style of first-year coach Urban Meyer and a new coaching staff that has led Florida to an 8-3 record.
One year removed from leading Utah to the Fiesta Bowl, Meyer continues to adjust to his new surroundings as well.
“Playing at a bowl that is close to home for most of our players is something new for me, too,’’ Meyer said. “I see it as a great advantage for our players and their families. They can spend some holiday time at home before meeting in Tampa.
“At Utah, our players came from all over the place and that wasn’t possible, or at the least it was a logistical challenge, to get everybody back together. Here, it’s a different deal.’’
On the field, it has been a different deal as well.
Meyer brought his own style to a Gators’ program that had dealt with unmet expectations, multiple arrests and a highly publicized confrontation between former coach Ron Zook, players and members of a fraternity during his three years on the Florida campus.
“He took control quickly and changed the entire attitude of the program,’’ Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley said. “He raised the expectations of our players, both on and off the field. A January bowl game is a fitting reward for the work everybody has put in.’’
Shortly after arriving on campus, Meyer immediately created a leadership council involving 16 players to determine team policy from within.
He also created a “champion’s club’’ and introduced “rookie stripes,’’ a pair of incentive programs.
Players earn champion’s club rewards – mostly higher-quality workout gear or training-table food – based on achievement in the classroom and perfect attendance in class and workouts.
First-year Gators have a black stripe placed on their helmet that can only be removed by a designated “big brother teammate’’ after that teammate determines that the newcomer has proved his worth.
Meyer also introduced his own style of discipline.
Late-night weekend lifting sessions and clean-up detail have become regular deterrents, players who failed to keep the team locker room clean have been barred from using it and players who find themselves on the sidelines with minor aches and pains are required to go to “the pit.’’ There, they shovel sand, carry rocks and lug chains in an area next to where their teammates practice.
“We have expectations and when we meet expectations, there are rewards,’’ Meyer said. “Playing in Jan. 1 or 2 bowl game is one of those rewards. At Florida, we should expect those type of rewards and I think our players and coaches will enjoy working and preparing for a bowl game against an excellent, and very physical, Iowa team.’’
Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com.