March 28, 2012
MONARCH MEDIA: Practice #3 Update:
LET'S GET PHYSICAL:
Wednesday was the first day in shoulder pads and practice got a lot more physical. Making an impact on the coaching staff was the speed of the defense.
"There's a new philosophy defensively that Coach Dee, our defensive coordinator, and Coach Malloy, our assistant defensive coordinator, have put into place and that is to get back to basics," said head coach Bobby Wilder.
Wilder noted the Monarchs' pursuit to the ball in practice pointing out the turnover made as Fred Credle interrupted a pass by Taylor Heinicke resulting in the ball getting into the hands of Neal Anthony Hale.
"I could just feel the energy and excitement level from our defense."
Also during team drills, Eriq Lewis and Carvin Powell got into the pass break-up mix.
UP-TEMPO:
You might have heard the term "Think Fast, Play Fast" used during last year's spring practice, but its still the mentality that the coaching staff wants out of the Monarchs and Wilder is pleased with how the fast-paced tempo of practice has continued throughout the three days of drills thus far.
"We're putting them in fourth and one, we're putting the offense backed up to the one-yard line, the defense down in their own end on a fourth and goal on the five-yard line, last play of the game," said Wilder. "We're putting them in as many situations as we can and we've made good progress."
TV TIME UPDATES:
You can check out head coach Bobby Wilder on Norfolk Perspectives hosted by Bob Batcher, Public Relations Manager for the city of Norfolk, airing throughout the week at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Norfolk's Neighborhood Network on Channel 48 or click here to watch on your computer.
BIG BLUE BBQ & SPRING GAME:
The annual men's basketball Big Blue Bar-B-Que is set for Saturday, April 21 at 12:30 and will help kick-off a day of activities at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium and the annual spring football game. The event will be held in the parking lots off 49th street (silver lot) and tickets are available now in advance for $20 at www.coxtix.com, and the day of the event for $25. The spring football game will begin at 3 p.m. inside Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium and will feature contests, fan giveaways and a post-game autograph session. Admission to the spring football game is free.
PRIZE INCENTIVES FOR RENEWING SEASON TICKETS:
The deadline to renew season tickets for the 2012 football season is April 15. Tickets can be purchased at www.coxtix.com through your online account, or by calling the box office at 757-683-4444. Beginning April 1, Old Dominion will award daily prizes through April 15 for all fans who have renewed their tickets, including game day experiences, sideline passes, lunch with Coach Bobby Wilder, and more. This year fans are also offered a four month payment plan for purchasing tickets. ODAF members must pay 50% their 2012 pledge by May 1 to receive priority seating. For more information, contact the box office at 683-4444, or the ODAF office at 683-6963.
UP NEXT:
Monarchs return to the field on Saturday in full pads.