Tulsa’s Montgomery Pleased with Intensity and Enthusiasm of First Practice

Tulsa First Practice Photo Gallery

The Tulsa football team hit the practice field this morning to kick-off preseason drills and burned through a 135-minute workout on Harwell field amidst temperatures that surpassed the 100-degree mark after starting out at 89 degrees when practice began. Tulsa will be back on the practice field Friday morning.

Philip Montgomery, beginning his second season as the Golden Hurricane head coach, was excited to get back on the field and was impressed with his team's focus and enthusiasm.

"I thought our focus, our intensity and our enthusiasm was outstanding. I like what we brought to the field," said Montgomery. "We got a little tired, but that's everybody's first day. We have some guys that went down in the spring that need to knock a lot more dust off, get their legs underneath them. But all things considered, I liked the way we finished. I liked the drive they put together at the end – both sides of it. It's Day 1. We'll go in and watch the tape and get better."

Asked to compare the difference between this season's first day to his first preseason practice at the helm last year, Montgomery said, "guys know more."

"They know what to expect when they come out here on the field and what it's going to be about. From that standpoint it's better. But I think all first days look great," added Montgomery. "Everybody has butterflies. Everybody is anxious. Everybody is excited about the season starting. The anticipation of this day – you just sit there and talk about it all summer long, so when it finally gets here, it's like your birthday. You hop out of bed, run down the stairs, and everybody is celebrating."

Keevan Lucas, who was injured last October, returned to full practice today for the first time in 10 months.

"He is (a little bit rusty). You would expect that. He hasn't played in, what, 10 months? His body feels fine, I think his knee is fine, it's just getting back on the field and learning how to work that route again. And when I'm tired, be able to catch a football and keep executing," said Montgomery. "Mentally, be able to focus in as plays are coming in, especially at the rate that we're trying to push them, and knowing exactly what I'm doing, and not thinking, 'oh crap the ball just snapped and I'm taking off.' That's just part of this. This is Day 1 for him, give him a day or two and he'll be back to being him."

Tulsa Football Fan Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 13, from 10 a.m.-12 noon, when the Golden Hurricane will hold a team scrimmage at H.A. Chapman Stadium. There will be inflatables for kids, concessions, raffle items, football select-a-seat, dress like a player, face-painting, and activities like throwing a pass, kicking a field goal, and pass-catching. The team will sign autographs following the scrimmage.

Tulsa opens the 2016 season on Saturday, September 3, when Tulsa hosts the San Jose State Spartans of the Mountain West Conference in a 6:00 p.m. game at H.A. Chapman Stadium. For season tickets, fans can go online at TulsaHurricane.com, call 918.631.GoTU (4688) or purchase tickets in person at the TU athletic ticket office between 8:30-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Tulsa’s Montgomery Pleased with Intensity and Enthusiasm of First Practice

Players Mentioned

Keevan Lucas

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