Fighting

Every day is a struggle as the leg gets sore with the continuous running of pre season. Nonetheless I am trying to stay positive and continue to play my role on the team as I wait for the hammy to fully heal up. Better to take it easy now than to be in pain at the end of October. With the first day of classes we had Monday completely off. Tuesday morning we hit the Noland and it was tough. Many thanks to Zach for helping me through as we posted a 12:40. Afternoon practice consisted of skills, the circuit, and a compacted 11v11 game where I was able to snag a good goal.

Today we hit the Noland again. As I continue rehab I ran it at a slower pace with Colin and Haas. Afternoon practice consisted of small sided possession and a series of full field games. Off to do homework now...back in my favorite study lounge. Every day just trying to keep on fighting...

Heat!

Today was a hot one here on campus and the entire population was out to enjoy it. After classes this morning it was great to have some sun and warmth for training this afternoon.

Hit the weight room with David for a few lifts for 30 min. before practice:

Incline BB bench- 2 sets- first 6 reps at 95 lbs and last set of 6 reps at 115.

Then dropped to flat bench for 1 set of 6 reps at 135 lbs.

Irish press- 3 sets of 5-6 reps working up to 85 lbs.

Ended with ab rotation

No major weights today, just maintaining strength at this point.

Then practiced on the game field:

Warmup and 2 rounds of the circuit (weighted jump ropes, abs, juggling, pushups -all 35 seconds each)

Then an 80 min. 11v11 game. I played all but 10 minutes and felt pretty good...glad to be out there playing again. Then had a nice cool down, followed by the ice tub, shower, and dinner. Time to relax for a bit.

New Max

Rough day in the classroom again, school is definitely tough right now...but happy to get a good lift in today. Wanted to get it done early so I could have more time for work this afternoon so Colin and I began the workout at 2 pm on our own. Actually worked out nicely since Mike was able to coach us on some extra form and flexibility work. Today was all legs and I was pleased to also win a bet against David Haas for a squat max:

Ab and bike warm up

Box jumps- 4 sets of 5

Squats- 185 lbs at 5 reps for warm up, 225 lbs for 8 reps, 235 lbs for 6 reps and 300 lbs one rep max.

RDLs- 3 sets of 8 reps at 115 lbs

BB lunges- 3 sets of 5 each leg at 105 lbs

Tuck jumps- 2 sets of 12

Standing SL DB squats- 2 sets of 5 each leg with 40 lbs DBs

In all a good day of lifting, now time to prep for another big test tomorrow.

Every Second Counts

Our second game this weekend last night against rival VA Wesleyan would be considered good prep for NCAA action: game on the road after a hard road game the previous day, in front of a hostile crowd, with our backs against the wall.

We began the game in full force domination of their defense and immediately went up 1-0 with Cliff scoring his first goal of the season. I came in with 15 minutes left in the 1st and played really well. It has been frustrating for me my entire college career to play well here in VA but never very much or very well with games near home with lots of family and friends present. Unfortunately VA Wesleyan scored off a corner to shift momentum and tie it up right before half time. Immediately at the start of the 2nd half they got a through ball to a man (who was offsides) that we had to foul in order to prevent a goal. He barely made the PK and we spent the rest of the half clawing our way back. Coach made hardly any subs- in his mind it was up to the starters to pull us back. With 1 minute left the Wesleyan fans began chanting, "over rated." We pushed our whole team forward and our sweeper David Haas literally tapped in a goal when the ten second count down hit 1. It was a last second play that rivaled all last second shots I have ever seen. We then played the overtime scoreless.

Disappointed with my playing time still, but the leg feels stronger every day. We have a nice off day today and no classes today or tomorrow, then back to the grind on Wednesday.