While it was great to see all the guys again, Haskell Indian Nations University football players had another reason to celebrate when reporting to campus Sunday.
Two-a-day practices don't begin until today.
"I don't think many of us are looking forward to that," Haskell offensive lineman Kelvin Starks said, "but we'll make it through it. It's like brotherhood. We'll just carry each other and push each other."
Many of the incoming Haskell freshmen already were acquainted with their surroundings. Ten players participated in last month's Native-American All-Star game at Haskell Stadium.
That includes wide receivers T.J. Hamilton and Lance Barber and running back Bubba Wills, who combined for four touchdowns in the East's 42-0 victory.
"Here we are now, rooming together again," Barber said with a laugh.
Coach Eric Brock said he enjoyed reuniting with his team after a long summer.
"It's good to come back," Brock said, "and see your players a little bigger and hopefully wiser."
Haskell Indian Nations University sophomore Stephen Morgan moves into his dorm at Osceola-Keokuk Hall. HINU players reported Sunday in advance of the start of football drills today.
Though the grueling two-a-days did not appeal to most of the Fightin' Indians, safety Randy Jackson said he was looking forward to beginning anew with the first practices today.
"I'm kind of ready for them to get started," Jackson said. "There's a lot of little schools that started practice already. We're a step behind, but we'll catch up."
Haskell finished with a 4-7 mark last year. The Fightin' Indians have improved their record in each of the last two seasons.
The team gathered for a team meeting and barbecue Sunday before officially starting training today, giving the players a day to catch up before suiting up.
"The guys go away for a while, and you miss them all summer," Starks said. "When you get back together, you just remember the good times and all the good times you're going to have."
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