By Jim Henry
jhenry@joplinglobe.com
NCAA rules permit football teams to practice in helmets only during the first two days of practice.
“You’re real limited on what you can do in terms of 11-on-11,” Missouri Southern head coach Bart Tatum said. “It’s all non-contact ... you’re handcuffed a little bit in terms of what you can do.
“It is frustrating, but it is necessary. I’m at peace with the rule.”
The Lions’ squad — approximately 115 — held their first practice of fall camp on Thursday morning at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
“Day one went pretty good,” Tatum reported. “It appeared we got pretty good effort from most of our key players. Our top 25-30 guys are in good condition and ready to go.”
The Lions, 6-5 last season and 11-11 in two years under Tatum, return 46 lettermen, including nine starters on defense, eight on offense plus the placekicker and punter.
The Lions have another practice in helmets today, then two workouts in helmets and shoulder pads before going in full pads for the first time.
Missouri Southern, picked seventh in the MIAA coaches preseason poll, opens its season at home against Harding (Ark.) on Aug. 30.
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August 7, 2008
115 players report for Lions
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Outlaws open season Thursday on the road
Chris Oldner takes a cut during the Joplin Outlaws practice Tuesday afternoon. The Outlaws open their season on Thursday night at Rossville and play seven road games before their home opener on June 5.
The Joplin Outlaws and new coach Rob Vessell have set some lofty goals for the 2012 baseball season.
Continued ... - Five sign to join Missouri Southern women's track team
- Whisner ignites Joplin Miners past Webb City
- Venus Williams joins Serena on sideline in Paris
- Both sides of border hope changes make easier entry into Canada
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
- Ethan Cordray signs with Pittsburg State
- Lions, Gorillas begin competition in outdoor track and field championship
- Three finalists named for PSU head baseball coach position
- Lions qualify 10, PSU 15 for Division II outdoor track meet
- Missouri Southern Sports
- High School Sports
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Area athletes turn shine at state meet
Webb City's Jarvis Jones takes sixth in the 200.
- Cleo Elbert steps down at Thomas Jefferson
- Frontenac wins first state baseball title
- Joplin's Jeremy Lynn takes fifth at state tennis
- Frontenac advances at state baseball
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