Aug. 24, 2010

Tulsa, Oklahoma - The University of Tulsa football team hit the practice field for the first time following the beginning of classes Tuesday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

TU received Monday off so the team could fully enjoy the first day of fall semester, and the Golden Hurricane returned to the practice field with arguably the best weather conditions of the preseason.

"The weather was wonderful," said junior defensive back Chris Ford after the team was treated to an overcast day with no more than 85-degree temperatures. "I hope it keeps going like this from now on."

Ford also said the concentration level was even higher at practice now that school has started.

"I feel like we were able to retain information better because of the fact that we already had our minds working in class," Ford said. "We didn't have to warm up our minds, and you could tell everybody came out focused. We all had our heads on straight and ready for practice."

Tulsa is currently preparing for its first contest of the 2010 campaign, and the coaching staff treated Tuesday's practice just like they would during a game week.

"We had a lot of teaching and a lot of talking today," offensive coordinator Chad Morris said. "I thought we had a good focus, and I was excited with how practice went.

"The kids had an opportunity to share with us how things were going with their classes, and it seemed like it was a great first couple of days for everybody."

Tulsa opens the 2010 season at defending Conference USA Champion East Carolina on Sunday, September 5th on ESPN 2. Tulsa will open the home season against Bowling Green on Sept. 11th. Season tickets are available at www.TulsaHurricane.com or by calling 918.631.GoTU (4688).

WEATHER REPORT (Tuesday, August 24)

Temperature - 84˚, Humidity - 35%







Tulsa Notes

• Tulsa Head Coach Todd Graham announced that three walk-on athletes were put on scholarship for this semester -- junior deep snapper Bo Abbott, junior tight end Michael Britton and senior receiver Tyler Pistoia. Abbott, Tulsa's starting deep snapper, and Britton, listed as a back-up tight end, are in their fourth seasons on the Hurricane roster. Pistoia is in his fifth season on the Tulsa football squad.
"These guys have made a commitment to The University of Tulsa for the last three to four years. We are rewarding guys that have invested a lot of time into the program. They have been willing to work hard and persevere.  We have taken pride in rewarding at least two walk-on athletes with scholarships each year during my tenure at Tulsa. These guys have paid their dues," said Head Coach Todd Graham, now in his fourth season.
• Coach Graham indicated today that sophomore offensive tackle Jared Grigg will miss the entire 2010 season with a back injury.