THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 18, 1996 TAG: 9608180190
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 70 lines
Puddles the width of a car hug the sideline. Big patches of mud settle in the middle of the field and yard markings are non-existent.
No one can stop Mother Nature from producing August showers, but what about the lack of chalk?
``It's a distraction in preparation and psychologically for the kids,'' Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore said of the practice field adjacent to Charles H. Smith Hall.
With one goal post to the west and trees at both ends of the field, the field is a lumpy, unmarked site of grass and dirt.
In the past, Norfolk State has practiced behind the track complex but because of construction on a new stadium, the Spartans have been forced into a makeshift mode this summer. They play their home games at Old Dominion's Foreman Field, but will move to a 30,000-seat on-campus field with its move to Division I-AA next fall.
For now, the players have to use their judgment on how far downfield to go and when to make their cuts on certain drills.
``It's not the best of conditions but we'll have to practice anyway,'' senior wide receiver Darius Blount said. ``If V (Virginia) State is practicing, we have to practice.''
But Moore is looking into getting improved conditions or finding somewhere else for the team to workout.
``I spoke to the athletic director (Dick Price) and he's doing everything he can to make sure everything is taken care of,'' Moore said.
Moore's problem is minor compared to Central State, which plays the Spartans at Foreman Field on Oct. 5. The Marauders were rumored to be without a football team this season.
Because of an estimated $8 million deficit at the school and reportedly unsafe dormitories, the future of the football team was questioned.
The Marauders were scheduled to play Hampton in the Whitney M. Young Classic at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sept. 28. However, concerns of a late Central State pullout prompted the New York Urban League - sponsor of the game - to rescind its invitation to the Marauders. Virginia State will now play in the classic, which drew 61,000-plus fans last year.
Central State, however, is moving along. The team started two-a-day practices on Aug. 4; the players are being housed in an area motel during the preseason camp; and the program's other regularly-scheduled 10 games are intact. Central State anticipates adding a Nov. 16 game against Morehouse in Johannesburg, South Africa.
As for the midseason game against Norfolk State, ``The Marauders will be there,'' coach Jack Bush said on Friday.
Former Bayside High defender Shawn Wilson has impressed the coaches during the first week of camp.
``Shawn is doing great,'' said defensive coordinator George Moody, who's back with the Spartans after coaching Elizabeth City State for a year. ``We're trying him at two spots - strong safety and cornerback.''
Wilson played at Florida for two years before experiencing knee injuries that have sidelined him since December 1993.
Wilson, too, was happy with his performance last week though he admits the three-year layoff is catching up to him.
``I have been getting tired. Not wind tired but fatigue in my legs,'' Wilson said.
The injury bug has had a minor presence in the Spartan camp.
Defensive tackle John Green, split end Reggie Bureau, offensive tackle Eric and defensive tackle Chris Smith experienced some strain or illness that sidelined them a couple of days. But they were back for practice Saturday.
Going into camp, Moore was hoping Deep Creek's Joe Verdi would be the answer to the Spartans' kicking woes.
Norfolk State attempted only one field goal last season.
Verdi though, will not be the solution. The two-time Southeastern district first-team kicker did not fulfill NCAA qualifying requirements.
Another recruit, defensive tackle Travoris Carnes from St. Louis is awaiting word on his playing status. by CNB