Aug. 7, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Prior to its fourth practice of the 2003 season on Thursday, the Samford University football team named its captains for the season. Chip Adams (Sr., OL, Vestavia Hills, Ala.), Ross Newton (Sr., DL, Homewood, Ala.), Derrick Wheeler (Sr., LB, Pelham, Ala.) and Darold Williams (Sr., DE, Mobile, Ala.) were named captains for the 2003 squad.

"The players voted on the captains this morning," head coach Bill Gray said. "I think they made four very good choices."

During practice the team worked out for just over two and a half hours in shells on the practice field on campus.

Derrick Wheeler was one of four seniors to be named captains of the 2003 team prior to practice on Thursday.

"Today, we put an emphasis on correcting mistakes from Wednesday's practice," Gray said. "Yesterday was our first day of working with the offense versus the defense, and today we worked on correcting the mistakes from yesterday. We are throwing a lot at them, and we are trying to see what they can handle. With our schedule, we have plenty of time in meetings and in the film room.

"A lot of times on the fourth day of practice, the players' legs will get weary," Gray said. "And we started that way today, but we regrouped and finished strong. We have got to be mentally tough."

On Friday, the Bulldogs will practice in full pads for the first time, with practice starting at 3:45 p.m., and the first two-a-day will be held on Saturday, with practices at 7:55 a.m., and 3:45 p.m.

Samford opens the 2003 season on Thursday, August 28, at Chattanooga. Kick-off for the game is set for 7:00 p.m. central time and will be televised by The Football Network.