Tigers adjust to late start at first preseason practice

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A late start didn’t affect Snyder’s performance during the first day of preseason football practice.
The Tigers received high marks from head coach Cory Mandrell for their morning workout and returned for a non-contact afternoon practice.
Completing paperwork delayed the start of practice, but not the intensity.
“The first day never goes as planned,” Mandrell said. “Practice went smooth. Players and coaches adjusted to the late start well. The players had a great attitude and a good practice. I expect it to get better every day.”
Mandrell said 75 sophomores, juniors and seniors reported, as well as 26 freshmen. He expects the number of freshmen to increase.
Players began learning Mandrell’s system on Monday.
“We are a little ahead on defense than offense right now,” Mandrell said. “We have more returning starters on defense and spent time late in the spring learning the new scheme. The players got their first taste of the new offense. They did a good job of focusing on what they needed to do and picked up everything quick.”
Snyder will practice in helmets and shorts through Thursday and will put on the pads Friday.
“We plan a 30-play scrimmage at the end of Saturday morning’s practice,” Mandrell said. “The players will be ready for the change to contact. The first day of pads is exciting, along with the first scrimmage. Idalou will be a good team to scrimmage (Aug. 12 at Tiger Stadium). We will find out what areas need work at that scrimmage.”
Hermleigh
First-year Hermleigh head coach Derek Ahearn and his staff spent the first day getting to know their players.
“I’m pleased with how the players practiced,” Ahearn said. “The players reported in better physical condition than I expected. It was a day of learning and trying to find out what each players could do. We will get more into the offense and defense during the next three days.”
Ira
Ira head coach Toby Goodwin also was pleased with his team’s performance on opening day.
“The first day went OK,” Goodwin said. “It was an exciting day like it was for the other teams. We had 23 players. I told the players that we would be working on our conditioning and focus on fundamentals for the remainder of the week.”
Volleyball
Snyder head volleyball coach T’Leah Eicke said she was pleased with the turnout and player performance on Monday.
“We had 45 girls who reported and all of them returned for the afternoon practice,” Eicke said. “I expect to pick up more players after the completion of paperwork. The outcome was great and the players’ work ethic was awesome. They came to work hard.”
Snyder is scheduled to practice twice each day through Thursday. The Lady Tigers will host Colorado City and Rotan in a three-team scrimmage Friday. Snyder will scrimmage at Big Spring Saturday before next week’s season opener against Hawley at home.
Eicke said the emphasis of practice remains on fundamentals and determining who will play on each team — freshman, JV Gold, JV Black and varsity.
“Passing starts everything,” Eicke said. “If you don’t get a good pass, you don’t get a good set and a good hit. The girls will be ready for the scrimmages after four days. It will be great to play outside competition. We have a lot of talented players and it’s going to be a difficult job of placing players on teams. Players may move around, so the coaches can determine the right combinations.”