They're off and running.
The Panthers kicked off preseason practice on Thursday in preparation for a football season that will begin on Sept. 3 against Middle Georgia.
The Panthers were on the field at 3:30 p.m., and they practiced for about two hours under the watchful eyes of the coaches, including Head Coach Earl Chambers.
It was a fast-paced practice, with the players going from drill to drill while taking the occasional water break on a typically hot and humid August afternoon.
The players arrived on campus on Monday, and after a couple days of meetings, it was a welcome change of pace to be on the grass, to be doing what they love with their friends and teammates.
"It's always exciting to come out here the first day," said senior offensive lineman Len Spivey. "Especially at the Division III level, you can't be here over the summer like the big schools can. So, you're at home, you're grinding on your own, you're lifting weights, you're running. And you finally show up, and it's everybody you left in the spring, and it's all these new faces. You get to get back in the grind and play the game you love. It's always fun to get back out here, and get going again."
Spivey is encouraged by the presence of so many players who have been a part of the program for years.
"We've got a good group of guys," Spivey said. "We've got the most returners that we've ever had since I've been a part of this program. I think we've got a shot to really do something special."
Aaron Belt, a junior linebacker coming off a successful 2021 season, said he and all the players have been eagerly anticipating the start of practice.
"For the past few months, that's all we've been thinking about," Belt said. "Everybody individually has been doing their part, and I know the coaches have worked hard all summer. The first day, that's something you dream about. And once you get it done, you're ready for the next day, and the next day."
As one of the veterans, Belt will strive to set a positive example for his younger teammates.
"I know we have a lot of freshmen coming in," Belt said. "A lot of them, they look up to me. I've got to do my part to set a good example. My pastor always taught me to lead from the front, so that's what I'm trying to do."
Senior tight end De'queze Fryer, who was named a Division III All-American following a memorable 2021 season, was also glad to be back on the grass with his teammates.
"It was fun," Fryer said. "It was a blast, just seeing new faces, and old faces, getting connected. Everybody's not here during the summer, so you don't see everybody. So, it's good being back with everybody, seeing all the coaches. It was fun today."
Alex Rivera, a senior place kicker who made 9-of-14 field-goal attempts last season, said the first day of practice gives the players an idea of what they need to work on.
"It sets the bar, and we know what we have to do to get better," Rivera said. "It gives us an example of what the bar is, and we want to go higher. It's the first day, so everybody's rusty coming back from the summer. It's a good starting point, and we can go from here."
Senior quarterback Shedrick Lindsey, who played in nine games last season and threw 12 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, said "it's a great feeling to get back in the groove."
Lindsey is hopeful his fourth season as a Panther will be his most successful.
"I'm looking forward to every part of it, winning, accomplishing things we haven't accomplished, winning the conference," Lindsey said. "We haven't had a winning season since I've been here. That's something to aim for right there."
Chambers, who is heading into his third season as the full-time head coach, is relying on the veterans to not only get it done on the field, but serve as positive examples for the less-experienced players.
"It's exciting being able to see the old guys lead the football team," Chambers said. "That's something we haven't had around here in a long time. We're short-handed in the coaching staff, but man these guys, they know exactly what to do. They're not looking at it like it's a handicap. It's enhancing their ability to lead. So, I'm excited for them, and excited for the new guys that had to come out here and go at a speed they're not used to. So, it was good."
For Chambers, being on the field after so much time in the classroom or behind a desk was a welcome relief.
"Between emails and phone calls, this is when it all stops," Chambers said. "Being out here teaching coverages, teaching technique. This is where I want to be."
Director of Sports Information Kevin Eckleberry can be reached at mecklebe@lagrange.edu
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