March 30, 2009
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Fitzgerald Addresses the Media
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- With remnants of Sunday's spring snowstorm still evident outside, Northwestern's football team began its 2009 spring season Monday morning in Trienens Halls, the Wildcats' indoor facility.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald guided the 'Cats through a 19-period practice that ended slightly ahead of schedule.
"I like where our attitude is," said Fitzgerald. "It's different when you have those 15 extra practices in bowl prep. We really haven't gotten out of football shape. Our conditioning is good. I'm happy with the way our guys came back from their three-week break after the Winning Edge (NU's winter workout program). We had a fast workout today and finished ahead of schedule."
When asked his team's motivation after last year's 9-4 season that included a trip to the Valero Alamo Bowl, Fitzgerald said: "It all starts with your attitude. I visited with our football team about our drive this year. A lot of teams talk about being hungry. We read a great quote about Mike Tomlin and the Steelers about how they're approaching the Draft and their upcoming season like they were 0-16 a year ago. That's kind of been our approach this offseason. We didn't win anything last year."
Fitzgerald also talked to the media afterwards about competition at each position, the Wildcats' depth chart, NU's quarterback situation and how NU's offense will look in 2009. For the complete interview, check out NUsports.com's All-Access video.
SPRING NOTES:
In addition to the nine players (listed in NU's spring guide) who are out for the spring season due to injuries and rehabilition, Pat Fitzgerald also announced that two other Wildcats will be sidelined: wide receiver Jeremy Ebert (hip) and safety David Arnold (knee) ... Northwestern has moved its practice time on Tuesday from 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Practice is expected to end around 10:30. ... Northwestern announced its season ticket prices for 2009 ... The Wildcats will don full pads this Saturday (April 4), their fourth practice of the spring ... The latest addition to the Fitzgerald family, nearly-two-month-old Brendan, attended his first Wildcat practice today.