(August 24, 2004) ?C As the Fordham University football squad continues through summer camp under first year head coach Ed Foley, head strength and conditioning coach Jason George released the results of the annual strength and conditioning testing for the returning upperclassmen. Despite losing a solid nucleus of players to graduation, the Rams proved that they aren??t ready to rest on their laurels, tying the team power clean record while having a school record 19 players turn in a total lift of over 1,100 pounds.
Even though no individual records were broken, there were some records set by category:
Category: Semi Skill (LB??s, TE??s, and FB??s) - NaQuinton Gainous, LB - 594 lb Squat and 1323 lbs 3 lift total (Bench Press, Power Clean, & Squat).
Category: Skill (DB??s, WR??s, QB??s, TB??s & Specialists) - Carl Garritano, DB - 380 lb Bench Press and 1197 lb 3 lift total.
The speed testing results were affected by the new surface on Murphy Field. The old artificial turf was replaced by state of the art FieldTurf?, the playing surface currently used by a host of National Football League teams, including the New York Jets and Giants at the New Jersey Meadowlands, as well as by numerous collegiate teams, including the University of Nebraska, the University of Washington and the University of Oregon.
In the strength department, 27 players turned in a bench press of 350 pounds, while 10 players registered a squat of 500 pounds. Twelve Rams turned in a 300-pound power clean, matching last year??s school record, 34 had a three-lift total of 1,000 pounds and 19 registered a three-lift total of 1,100 pounds, up from 18 in 2003.
The Rams, who were 9-3 last season, have been one of the most successful NCAA I-AA teams over the past three years, compiling a 26-10 record, the 14th best winning percentage among I-AA teams over that span.
Fordham will open its 2004 season on Saturday, September 4th when they host the University of Rhode Island on Jack Coffey Field at 1:00 p.m. For ticket information contact the Fordham Ticket Office at 718-817-4300.
