Aug. 23, 2003

WACO, Texas - Baylor's football team concluded preseason drills here Saturday morning, ending an 18-day practice schedule in preparation for the upcoming season. The Bears have Sunday off before beginning classes and the regular practice schedule Monday.

First-year head coach Guy Morriss said the players finished the preseason strong, showing improvement over the past couple days.

"I think the last couple days we've started to freshen up physically and mentally," Morriss said. "The execution has been better, but we still have a ways to go there. I think Sunday will do them a lot of good - get away from us, football, just be normal kids again for a day."

Morriss said the first day of class historically is a bad day on the practice field. He stressed the importance for the players to maintain focus throughout the day.

"We've challenged them about coming out here Monday and being focused, paying attention to detail," Morriss said. "We have to improve our execution and our consistency. If we get that done and get off to a good start, I think things will take care of themselves."

Baylor's first game of the 2003 season is now less than a week away. Morriss said the timetable is right where it should be.

"It's time to play; that will answer a lot of questions," Morriss said. "The kids are tired of practicing, they're tired of seeing each other, and they're tired of us. It's time to play."

After practice, the Bears welcomed fans into the Floyd Casey Stadium locker room for fan appreciation day. The players donned Baylor's new jerseys and reacquainted themselves with one of the nation's finest locker room facilities. The players used the visitors' locker room during the past three weeks.

Baylor and UAB open their respective seasons Aug. 30 at Floyd Casey Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CDT.