Topic: H-D: Holliday coaches first practice

[ZackUSAF82]

HUNTINGTON -- As if on cue, the weather turned sunny and warm for the kickoff of Marshall University football spring practice.

Bright skies greeted Doc Holliday's first session in charge of Thundering Herd football as head coach. Although in shorts and jerseys, energy level was elevated, leading into the 2010 season. Marshall's new mix of veteran and youthful assistants under Holliday conducted a high-volume workout.

Holliday, a Hurricane native, directed his first practice as head coach and while admitting the experience was new, he hardly complained. Holliday spoke of the odd experience of overseeing the entire practice rather than concentrating on a specific position. However, he did spend considerable time with special teams.

"Obviously, on the first day you can't get in a lot, but the effort was fantastic and we got a lot installed in terms of offense, defense and special teams," Holliday said. "They had a good 10 weeks with Frank (new strength and conditioning coach Frank Parino) and you can see they've done a very good job with him."

Holliday repeatedly has insisted that each position is open for starting opportunities and the players reacted during the Wednesday afternoon practice attended by approximately 100 fans. Marshall takes the day off Thursday, followed by a 3 p.m. Friday practice and a Saturday morning session at 9:15 a.m. Each workout will be open to the public.

Link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x578670028/Herd-has-first-practice-with-new-coach