BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The WKU football team practiced in persistant rain at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Wednesday morning, preparing for its third two-a-day session of the fall on Thursday.
The rain provided the opportunity for head coach Willie Taggart to see how his players would react in both drills and live game situations. Practice began with work in indiviidual position groups before transitioning to team work. The Hilltoppers wrapped up practice with a focus on special team situations.
"I thought we did a really good job," Taggart said. "Starting off our guys were kinda sluggish and you could tell they were letting the rain affect the way they were going to play. Then some guys started stepping up and saying we can't do this. We have to play in the rain so we have to practice in it and as we got to our team period, it actually got a lot better."
With 12 practices completed in fall camp, Taggart is pleased with the level of intensity that the team continues to show day in and day out.
"The energy is still there," Taggart said. "I think thats a little suprising because every year during training camp you always hit those days. And we really haven't had those days yet. Guys are still full of enery and I think that's because everyone is fired up. Guys are having fun competing and getting after it."
The 2010 season marks the first for WKU under the direction of Taggart, who was named head coach on November 23. Taggart previously served as running backs coach at Stanford from 2007-09 and helped Toby Gerhart finish second in balloting for the Heisman Trophy and win the Doak Walker award given to the nation's top running back. Taggart worked as an assistant coach at WKU from 1999-2006 and served as co-offensive coordinator for WKU's 2002 I-AA National Championship team. A standout player at quarterback who set 11 school records for the Hilltoppers from 1995-98, Taggart is one of only four players in WKU's 91-year football history to have his jersey retired.
Fall camp will encompass the entire month of August, and will come to a close on Saturday, Aug. 28 with the second annual Family Fun Day from Noon-3 p.m. (CDT) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The 2010 season opens Sept. 4 at #9 Nebraska.
Season and single-game tickets for the upcoming 2010 WKU football season are on sale now. Prices are $15 for reserved bleacher seats, and general admission adult seats are $12 while general admission youth tickets (anyone 12 and under) are $6. Groups of 10 or more may purchase reserved or general admission tickets for $6 each.
2010 Season Tickets Location and Prices:
Red Towel-$108
Topper-$108
Spirit-$60
Reserved Season-$30
General Admission-$30
For more information, to order season or single-game tickets, or to order tickets for available away games please call 1-800-5-BIG RED or visit wkusports.com.
Hilltopper Spotlight - Kawaun Jakes
Sophomore quarterback Kawaun Jakes gave the Hilltopper offense a jolt in 2009. Jakes started the final eight games of the season, completing 148 passes for 1,516 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 355 yards and five more scores. He made his first career start at Navy in week four, throwing for 276 yards and completing 22 of 28 passes.
Q: What is your favorite activity outside your current sport?
A: Hanging out with my friends, and taking naps during training camp.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pork chops.
Q: What books have you read lately?
A: A book called 'Slam.' It's a very good book about two basketball players.
Q: What is your favorite spring break destination?
A: Panama City Beach.
Q: What was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?
A: Tom, from "Tom & Jerry."
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: Jamie Foxx.
Q: If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would it be
and why?
A: Peyton Manning.
Q: What are your plans after your playing days are over here at WKU?
A: Hopefully getting into coaching.
Q: What is your proudest moment in sports?
A: Winning the high school state championship in 2005.
Q: Other than WKU, who is your favorite team?
A: Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Lakers.
Q: What is the best movie you have ever seen?
A: Friday.
Q: Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
A: My mother, because she's a hard-working person and a great role model.
