Football: Time for a break – Bustle on Porche – Extra Points

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • August 20, 2010

After a solid walk-through Thursday morning by UL’s football team, coach Rickey Bustle decided to cancel the regularly scheduled afternoon practice with only a few days left in preseason camp.

The Ragin’ Cajun players and coaches spent part of Thursday afternoon in the swimming pool at Bourgeois Hall as part of a team-building exercise.

"We had a good workout this morning, and this is about the time I’ve done this team-building exercise every year," Bustle said. "It was a good time for a break. All of the players were excited about it. I tell the guys that can’t swim to stay in the baby pool.

"Some of the guys just go over there and relax and lay in the water. It’s a good mental and physical break for them, and it’s something we can do as a team."

UL will return to practice at 3:30 p.m. today before Saturday’s 8:50 a.m. scrimmage at Cajun Field. The Cajuns wrap up preseason camp with Fan Day from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, also at Cajun Field.

"Getting that break just motivates them," Bustle said. "We’ll come back tomorrow and have a good, polish-up practice for the scrimmage on Saturday."

Bustle on Porche

Bustle was sad to hear that long-time UL director of athletic training John Porche announced Thursday that he would retire at the end of the athletic season.

Porche has spent 42 years in the athletic training profession, including the past 29 at UL.

"Honest to goodness, he’s the best I’ve ever worked with," Bustle said. "He’s gained all kinds of respect from past players and coaches. Guys want to come by all the time and see John Porche. He has had a steady influence on a lot of young people’s lives."

Extra points

Junior quarterback Brad McGuire (foot) and junior running back Kevis Streeter (ankle) could both return for today’s practice and participate in Saturday’s scrimmage. Both have been bothered by injuries this week "» Bustle added that senior Tyler Albrecht continues to hold the edge on sophomore Brett Baer in the race to be the starting kicker. Albrecht made 8-of-11 field goals last year "» Baer is ahead of true freshman Hunter Stover to handle kickoff duties. Baer did not record a touchback last season but has been kicking the ball better and deeper in preseason camp "» Senior punter Spencer Ortego, a first-team all-conference selection last season, has also received praise from Bustle for his play in camp.