Topic: H-D: Pads poppin’ at the Joan

[ZackUSAF82]

HUNTINGTON — Marshall officially started football practice on Tuesday, but for most surrounding the Thundering Herd football program, there is no greater day than that first day in pads.

That first day was Saturday, and a crowd of nearly 200 stopped by Joan C. Edwards Stadium to join with the Herd in celebrating the first practice of 2011 in pads.

While it was a celebration of sorts for most, it was all business for Marshall coach Doc Holliday, who is eager to get started on the 2011 season.

"We had great effort, which we expect," Marshall football coach Doc Holliday said. "We aren't going to coach effort."

Normally, all the talk surrounding the first day in pads is centered toward excited the players are to let loose of their built-up aggressions and hit a little bit.

But what about the coaches' perspective?

"Oh geez, I'm out of my mind right now," Marshall defensive coordinator Chris Rippon said. "It's what you live for."

Link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x27446142/No-Headline

[biggreenarms]

[Bob25526]

Just curious here. 200 fans stopped by. I wonder, say Bama. Are their practices open and how many of their fans stop by? I believe their Spring game sells out.

[BHFIOHIO]

I"ve attended a lot of practices since the Donnan days and I would say 200 as cold and blustery as it was is not too bad a crowd

[herdfan429]

200 people to watch practice, not a game practice.  Thats a good number.