Football Holds First Full Squad Preseason Practice Thursday

08/07/2002 | 12:00:00 | Football

Aug. 7, 2002

Carbondale, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University Carbondale football team held its first full squad preseason practice on Wednesday, August 7 with the maximum 90 players. The Salukis practiced practiced at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the first day under the watchful eye of second-year head coach Jerry Kill.

Kill, who begins his second season as Saluki head coach, was happy with day one of his second camp.

"I thought the guys did a great job today, especially in the afternoon, and our coaches did a better job in the afternoon practice. We're not where we need to be yet, but we're a lot further along than we were a year ago. We're all more comfortable as a staff and the kids are getting comfortable with our system, so we're looking forward to the 2002 season," Kill added.

The Salukis open the season with the first night game since 1973, when they host Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. in McAndrew Stadium. SIU finished 1-10 in 2001.