Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Football :: Official Athletic Site
Dec. 20, 1997
Spartans Take Business-Like Approach to Bowl Game
HONOLULU - Michigan State head football coach Nick Saban sent his team through another two-hour workout in full pads Saturday in Aloha Stadium as the Spartans prepare for their Dec. 25 game against Washington in the Jeep Aloha Bowl.
With the game less than a week away, Saban approached the practice session like a normal Tuesday workout. For the second-straight day, the Spartans practiced with temperatures in the low 80s but with the humidity near 80 percent.
"I thought the scout team did a good job," Saban said. "It has been tough on those guys because we don't have a lot of guys here, but they gave us a good look at what Washington does on both sides of the football.
"The practice proved a little tougher today because it was hotter and more humid. There wasn't a strong breeze today so the guys really had to push through the last few periods. I think we've made some progress our first two days here."
Outside linebacker Ike Reese said a required function on the team's social calender took its toll Saturday.
"Today's practice was tougher for a couple reasons," Reese said. "It was a little warmer and the air seemed thicker today. It also was hard to bounce back after the team luau last night. The luau ran late and it was a long bus ride to and from Paradise Cove.
"It wasn't a picture perfect practice but I expected day two on the Island to be tougher. The guys were naturally jacked up for the first practice and today, we had to pull each other through it."
Saban has been pleased with the way the team has handled the trip thus far.
"This trip is a great educational opportunity for our players to experience Hawaii and its unique culture," he said. "I have been impressed with the maturity level of this team. The players have stayed focused on the task at hand despite all of the distractions on the Island. The team has approached this game like a business trip. The players understand that there is a time for sun and fun but the only reason we're here is to play a football game."
The Spartan players and coaching staff attended a luncheon at the Aloha Tower Marketplace Saturday afternoon aboard the S.S. Independence.
Michigan State has another two-hour practice scheduled for Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. HST in Aloha Stadium.