University of Colorado Athletics
FANS, BUFFS KICK OFF SPRING FOOTBALL
April 02, 2004 | Football
BOULDER – Met by what was reported to be around 1,000 cheering fans lined up in a "human tunnel" leading to the practice fields, the University of Colorado football team took to the gridiron for its first spring session Friday afternoon, as the Buffaloes drilled in shorts for over two hours in front of enthusiastic supporters during their first of 15 practices this month.
"Thank goodness for football," interim head coach Brian Cabral stated afterwards. "We are so excited to be back. First of all I want to thank the hundreds who were here today and for their support to show that we matter. That was just wonderful and we really appreciate that. It's been a good day. We are really glad to be out here playing football."
With late November being the last time CU had donned helmets and cleats, the Buffs were extremely excited to return to football and finally put troubles from the past few months behind them. Thankful that it was time to concentrate on the pigskin and continue building team chemistry on the field, the players were overjoyed with the encouragement they received on their first day back in action.
"When we came out here today, the feeling was just phenomenal," junior quarterback Joel Klatt said after practice. "The support we have gotten all along from our fans and friends has been amazing. Today just showed how close we all are here and what type of character this team has.
"It was great to get the helmet back on and throw some skin around. The camaraderie in the huddle was amazing, and overall, I feel today was a great first step for us. You could tell guys were fired up and it felt really good to be out here."
Even while head coach Gary Barnett remained away from practice on administrative leave, the Buffs affirmed that the first day of spring ball went smoothly, and that a solid foundation was set for the upcoming season. Though a little rust needed to be knocked off as expected, overall, players and coaches alike felt much satisfaction.
"It was a good day," Cabral added on the team's initial play. "The tempo was upbeat and we got some good things done. It was a typical first day, but I'll tell you, we have a lot of work to do."
Added Klatt on Barnett's absence and Cabral's newfound position: "We really didn't miss a beat today. Coach Cabral has been around here for a long time, so he knows what's going on. Things weren't that different."
One of CU's newest, yet most familiar faces agreed with the opening progress, as well. Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, who returned to Colorado this off-season after successful stints at several programs over the past nine years, said he "liked the energy and attitude" throughout the day. A member of the Buffalo staff under Bill McCartney between 1985 and 1994, Hankwitz quickly noted that he saw great potential in his players.
"There was a lot of energy out there," he said. "The old saying goes that the right attitude and effort gives you a great chance for success. I really like our attitude and effort right now."
"Today was something that this program needed and has been waiting for for a long time," senior defensive tackle Matt McChesney stated. "That was just incredible to see everybody out here supporting us, as we got back to business. It was awesome and really, just great."
Practice Notes: At the session's end a large group of CU student-athletes from numerous sports came and joined the football players in their usual final team huddle, as they all sang the school fight song to close out the day... A light rain fell during the last hour of practice, however it did not worsen field conditions... CU will return to action both days this weekend, and then once again Monday before taking Tuesday off. Further practices are closed to the public, with the exception of the spring game (April 24).
