"We had a very energetic practice today, guys were flying around and we were communicating," WKU coach Willie Taggart said. "We came out today saying if we don't do anything right we have to communicate. Get out on the field, coaches be quiet and let the guys get on the field and communicate. When they get out there Saturday next week, they are going to be out there by themselves, the coaches can't be in the huddles with them telling them what to do."
The Hilltoppers continued to work on their offense, defense and special teams in preparation for Nebraska next week. The main focus in practice today was communication and energy on the field. Taggart said the guys did a great job working on communication with a lot of energy.
Preparing for in-game environment situations is what they will continue to focus on through next week before the opening game against Nebraska.
"Next week we are going to start working on the artificial sound during practice," Taggart mentioned. "You have to work on it, the guys aren't going to be able to hear sometimes and they have to be prepared for that. With the first game, I'm sure there will be a lot of energy and noise out there, we need to come out and be prepared for everything. "
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: Orlando Misaalefua
Senior Orlando Misaalefua has made the switch from defensive back to linebacker in his final season as a Hilltopper. The Fort Campbell, Ky., product has played in 25 games during his three years in uniform, collecting 71 tackles and a pair of interceptions. He registered a career-best 41 stops in 2009, and set a career high with 13 tackles against Louisiana-Lafayette. Misaalefua earned first team all-state honors following his senior season at FCHS. Born in Landstuhl, Germany, both his parents have served in the military.
Q: What is your favorite activity outside your current sport?
A: I like to cook. I usually like cooking good southern foods, but I also like cooking Polynesian and Samoan foods.
Q: What is your favorite spring break destination?
A: Florida.
Q: What was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?
A: Tom and Jerry
Q: If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would it be
and why?
A: My grandfather was always a great influence for me. He always told me to work hard and eat all of my food. He was just a great guy.
Q: What are your plans after your playing days are over here at WKU?
A: I want to do something with sports management. But, if I don't do that, I'll be joining wither the Air Force or the Army.
Q: What is your proudest moment in sports?
A: Winning a lot of high school games with Fort Campbell High.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite sports personality?
A: Troy Polamalu
Q: Other than WKU, who is your favorite team?
A: Pittsburgh Steelers.
Q: Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
A: My parents were both influential on me because they are always teaching me to do the right thing and do my homework. My dad always taught me how to play football and do the right thing on and off the field.
