Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Trudge Through Rainy Weather
March 17, 2003
by Patrick Gleason
Student Assistant SID
BOULDER - The University of Colorado football team practiced in steady rain for two hours Monday evening, as the Buffs donned full pads for the first time this spring season.
Though the Buffs were forced to work in inclement weather, head coach Gary Barnett said his squad was able to achieve some productive action. Even with slippery field and ball conditions, the offense conducted several effective passing and running drills during short situation settings in the last half hour of practice.
Led by quarterback Joel Klatt, the CU scoring unit moved the ball successfully through the air, as the 6-foot-1, 195-pound sophomore connected with seniors Derek McCoy and John Donahoe for numerous positive yard gains.
Tailback Brian Calhoun also got in on the production, as the sophomore broke loose for a couple runs that extended into the CU secondary.
However, the Buffs defense created some of its own highlights during the evening. Being the first day in pads, practice was limited to stand-up contact only, as the players were instructed to shy away from full tackling. While this direction was carried out for the most part, some CU defenders ignited several explosive hits.
The most rousing stop came when sophomore defensive back Brian Iwuh met Jeff Tolbert head on at the line of scrimmage, halting the sophomore fullback dead in his tracks. Inspired by Iwuh's hit, the defense went on to make several more plays, including an interception which junior cornerback Allen Mackey returned for a 40-yard touchdown, respectively.
"It was a good day," Klatt added after practice. "It was a little wet, but I think both squads accomplished some good stuff."
Depending on the severity of the snowstorm scheduled to hit Boulder Monday night, Barnett said the Buffs might have to cancel Wednesday's practice and arrange a makeup after the university's spring break. The Buffs also have the option of moving inside to the Balch Fieldhouse. CU is scheduled to hold a scrimmage Friday afternoon, whether permitting, and then break practice until April 2.