Aug. 6, 2000

Waco, Texas - Despite triple-digit temperatures, Head Coach Kevin Steele was pleased with what he saw from Baylor's football newcomers following a nearly two-hour practice Sunday afternoon, the Bears' second day of freshmen-only workouts. The freshmen practiced twice Saturday and will conduct another day of dual practices Monday.

"You could tell they were a little more acclimated to how we do things," said Steele. "The effort was much better. We did some drills in which they sold out in a big way."

While looking forward to Wednesday's first day of full-squad practices, Steele is happy his coaching staff has a few days to focus on Baylor's 28 newcomers.

"It's stressful enough for these young guys to come in to a new situation. Having them in here without the varsity takes some of the pressure off of them."

Baylor's veterans return to campus Monday. The first day of full-squad practices is Wednesday, when the Bears conduct the first of nine two-a-day workouts. Baylor opens the season Aug. 31 with a 7 p.m. at North Texas.