Eastern Washington Eagles Shift Indoor Practice Amid Spokane Complex Fires
Smoke forced the Eastern Washington Eagles to practice inside entirely on Monday, a day before they were able to spend 45 of their 120 practice minutes outside.
The team made the most of their indoor time, using a handful of gyms and a dance studio in the athletics complex. Coach Aaron Best even walked between the different venues, blaring an air horn to signal the end of each session.
"We're getting the chance to be around each other, that's the No. 1 thing," Best said. "I'd love it to be (normal), but what is normal? Right now, in Spokane and in a lot of surrounding areas, (people) are going through some very, very abnormal circumstances."
The Eagles' indoor practice was not just about staying active, but also about showcasing their competitiveness. Each position group nominated one player to compete in a game of Bump, with the final four being redshirt senior receiver Wes Garrett, sophomore safety Bryce Smith, redshirt senior linebacker Myles Mayovsky, and freshman quarterback Brady Annett.
Annett's shot flew smoothly through the net to earn him the victory in the friendly game, and his teammates scooped him up and lifted him like a rock star, parading the quarterback above their heads for a few seconds.
"It was an unusual sight toward the end of a preseason football practice with the regular season less than four weeks away," the article notes.
Best hopes the team will be able to get a two-hour practice outside on Wednesday, but for now, they're making the best out of their indoor time.
"We're just finding ways to get better every day," redshirt senior receiver Cole Pruett said. "Even though we want to be outside, if we're inside we'll make the best out of it and we'll go to work no matter what."
The NCAA rules dictate that when the air quality index is between 150 and 199, outdoor activities should be shortened. At 200 or higher, the NCAA suggests that "serious consideration should be given to rescheduling the activity or moving it indoors."
The team's indoor practice is a testament to their adaptability and teamwork, and it's clear that they're finding ways to make the most of the situation.
As the team continues to practice indoors, they're also discovering more about their teammates' basketball skills.
Source: Yahoo Sports