Aug. 13, 2001

Waco, Texas - Rare summertime showers greeted the Baylor football team Monday as the Bears went through a pair of practices, their first full-squad workouts of the fall. It was also the first of seven-straight days of two-a-day practices, and coach Kevin Steele was pleased with the Bears' effort.

"I saw some enthusiasm and some intensity out there today," Steele said. "I also saw a sense of urgency, which is something we need to sustain throughout all of our practices."

A 45-minute shower fell at the start of the morning workout. The afternoon session was interrupted for nearly an hour due to thunderstorms, after which the Bears returned to the field to complete the scheduled session in sauna-like conditions.

"The afternoon practice was like a game," Steele said. "It was like going in for halftime and coming back out for the second half."

Both of Monday's practices were in shoulder pads and shorts. Baylor's first day in full pads is Thursday.

Baylor opens the 2001 season Sept. 8 at home against Arkansas State.