GREENVILLE —
There was a familiar feel to the Greenville Lions’ first day of 2012 football workouts on Monday.
The Lions, who last year began their practice at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium, returned to their roots so to speak with a 2 1/2-hour practice on the grass of their practice field.
Marvin Sedberry was also back as the Lions’ head coach for the third time. Sedberry previously coached the Lions from 1992-2000 and again in 2002-2003. Sedberry is back this time following coaching stints at Bryan and Alief.
Darren Duke, who was Sedberry’s defensive coordinator during their run of playoff trips, was back at his familiar spot.
Spencer Gilbert, another former Lion player and assistant coach, is also back on the staff, now serving as offensive coordinator.
Former Lion players George Sellers (quarterbacks) and Danny Black (offensive and defensive backs) are also coaching on the varsity staff, returning from last season, as are Alex Contreras (defensive backs) and Jeff Wheat (defensive line).
Two more returning coaches, Robert Woods (linebackers) and Cody Salyers (receivers-defensive backs), are working with the sub-varsity along with newcomers Jeremy Coe (offensive and defensive line), Randy Pierce (offensive and defensive line) and Brian McKethan (receivers and linebackers).
They were working with about 46 varsity players, around 25 on the junior varsity and 25 on the freshman team. Most of the players reported in good shape, having participated in voluntary offseason workouts, said Sedberry.
“I think they did okay,” he said. “I think the majority of them showed up in pretty good shape. I think some of them made the mistake of not eating a little breakfast. All in all, I thought they did a good job for the first day.”
The Lions began their workout at 7:30 a.m. by lifting weights. They were on the practice field by 8 a.m., breaking off into groups to work by position. The Lions spent some early time working on the kicking game with punts, kicks, deep snaps and holds. They also worked on some team offense and team defense. They were off the practice field before 11:30 a.m., which meant they missed most of the heat of the day. The Lions also got a break with cloud cover for much of practice.
The Lions will continue this daily schedule this week as they prepare for their first preseason scrimmage at home on Aug. 17 against Liberty-Eylau. Greenville also scrimmages at Quinlan Ford on Aug. 23 before kicking off the 2012 season on Aug. 31 at Ford Stadium against the Princeton Panthers. Greenville is trying to break a 20-game losing streak.
Sports
Related Photos
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Greenville head coach Marvin Sedberry gives the Lions instructions during a break at Monday's practice as honorary assistant Mark Lawson and the Lions look on. David Claybourn / Herald-Banner
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Kellen Cox hauls in this reception during the Greenville Lions' first practice on Monday. David Claybourn / Herald-Banner
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Raise your right hand after me. That's what Greenville Lions defensive coordinator Darren Duke appears to be saying at Monday's practice. David Claybourn / Herald-Banner
Discussion
Greenville Lions open 2012 football practice
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