Fan Day energizes Southern

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Camp Pete Richardson XV concluded with a Fan Day celebration Saturday morning at Southern’s A.W. Mumford Stadium.

“It was great,” senior wide receiver and co-captain Gerard Landry said. “It got us hyped. Me, personally, it got me pumped up right now, just to see all the people who really care about us and came out to support us.

“It’s great seeing the little kids, so eager and knowing our names. I think we needed this going into the season.”

Fans watched the Jaguars on their practice fields and then followed them into Mumford Stadium for the final practice periods.

For the first time since Richardson has been the coach, the event was held in the stadium, with fans congregating in the north end zone.

The school’s band and cheerleaders were also on hand. After players were introduced, everyone gathered around tents to sign autographs. Pizza and soda were available.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Richardson said.

“It was much more personal. The people came out. Any time you can get the personal contact with them is good.”

While the fans were able to get a look at how the team conducts practices, players got a chance to see the fans in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We gave them a show on the field, just to show them what we bring to the table,” junior defensive end Vince Lands said. “The fans really bring intensity to you. They really keep us pumped up.”

Southern, 5-6 last season, reported July 31 — after concluding voluntary summer workouts the week before — and began camp Aug. 2.

“We held up well, especially with a lack of depth at certain spots (offensive and defensive lines),” Richardson said. “The kids fought through it, and it’s going to help us out in the long run.

“Now we have to get focused and get ready to go.”

Southern opens its season against Florida A&M, 7-4 last season in the SWAC/MEAC Challenge at 2 p.m. Saturday at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

“The people know it’s football season. &hellip They’re excited about what we’re trying to do,” Richardson said. “They understand we’re going through some transition, but they’re still behind us. That means a great deal to the players.”

Notes

Landry (oral surgery) did not dress Saturday, but he ran a handful of routes. He’ll have stitches removed early this week and return to practice. &hellip Senior C/RG Demarcus Stewart (knee), true freshman DT Calvin Cunningham (shoulder), junior DT Joseph Selders (ankle) did not practice Saturday. Sophomore C Ramon Chinyoung, who missed several days of practice during the week, returned Saturday. &hellip Former QB Quincy Richard, the 2003 SWAC and black college offensive player of the year, stopped by practice. Richard, who graduated as a dean’s list student in secondary education just before a record-shattering senior season, said he’ll finish law school at SU in the spring.