By: Becky Bereiter GREENSBORO -- Believe it or not, the day football fans wait all year for is almost here, and teams across the state are busy getting ready for that opening kickoff. But when the mercury climbs this high, the health and safety of the players on the field comes into question.
Monday was the first day of two-a-day sessions for the North Carolina A and T Aggies and the team is feeling the heat.
"You’ve got to love the game. If you love the game then it won't be hard," said outside linebacker Brandon Long.
But the truth is, simply the love of the game won't get this team through a week of sizzling practices. Water is the key -- as is the timing of those two-a-day practices.
“We practice earlier in the morning and the second two-a-day practice is pushed back a little bit so the guys don't get overheated, so the guys can get a better work in," said Long. It's work they couldn't do alone.
“We're as strong as our weakest link and guys have to keep pushing and it gets tough at times, but we pick each other up and keep pushing, but that's the name of the game. It's a hard contact sport," added Long.
Head Coach Lee Fobbs is taking every precaution to keep his players safe.
“You certainly don't want any early injuries. You don't want any dehydrations or anything of that sort because once you get to that point, they're going to be out for three or four days and that's a precautionary measure," said Fobbs.
Fobbs says he needs all of his Aggies healthy. The team has big goals for 2007 after coming off of a winless season last year.
"The team's ready. We're excited and running around. We're excited about this season so it's time to go. The guys are up for the challenge,” said Long.
The Aggies first game is Sept. 1 when they face off against Winston-Salem State University.
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