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A loud air horn blares from Yager Stadium followed by a series of coordinated whistles. Miami football players rotate between practice drill stations. The field is sectioned off into quadrants with a total of six stations. The second to last practice for the April 18 spring football game continues despite frigid temperatures and rain. Head coach Michael Haywood carefully surveys each drill, interrupting if the drill is not correct: "Stop. Do it again," to ensure practice makes perfect.
According to Haywood, practices are running smoothly thus far.
"We're starting to develop some leaders on the team, the gentlemen are starting to play with more consistency," Haywood said. "It's a day by day process."
An assistant coach yells to the players, "this is the last play of the game" which reflects the importance of each play of the game.
The major part of Haywood's philosophy of playing through the entire game rests on the players' physical endurance. Haywood said a lack of conditioning is the largest hurdle to overcome within team practice.
"Being able to play physically through the entire game is a true testament to mental and physical strength," Haywood said.
He also credited the coaching staff for stressing the importance of the difference between playing shape and average strength.
"We're excited for people to see the differences in our program and to see the different mentality that we have," junior defensive back Jordan Gafford said. "We represent Miami, and we want to be a team they are proud of and we are working that way."
The discipline of Haywood's regimented program has also received positive feedback.
"These young men are handling themselves a lot better according to people within the (Miami) community," Haywood said.
Haywood credited the early morning workouts as preparing the team to "live a certain quality of life off the field so that you will be able to go though the rigorous work on the field."
"The coach has done a great job just preparing us by putting in a whole new offense and defense. He has done a great job teaching us and getting us ready," Gafford said.
To make players more accountable, Haywood explained the Culture of Champions as waking up and preparing yourself to live every day like a champion. Study tables are implemented to encourage the academic success of the players.
"We are trying to provide a better quality of life," Haywood said. "Chasing a degree instead of chasing eligibility."
Miami football is also becoming more visible on campus by visiting student organizations such as Associated Student Government (ASG) senate and fraternities and sororities.
"We're going to provide support for their organizations, and we're asking for them to fulfill their college experience by supporting their collage teams," Haywood said.
Gafford also said he anticipates seeing many Miami fans and students at the opening game of the season 2009-2010 season.
"We open up with Kentucky at Paul Brown stadium Sept. 5, and that's just a huge opening," Gafford said. "All we're thinking about in the off season is we have to be ready for it."
Haywood said his ultimate goal for Miami football is to provide a product students can't wait to see.
"By the time kick off arrives, we would like you to be in the stadium supporting us," Haywood said.
