The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Getting Closer To Gameday Vs. Hawai'i
12/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 22, 2004
HONOLULU - The UAB football team continued its preparations here Tuesday for the Christmas Eve Sheraton Hawai'I Bowl, working out at Aloha Stadium in shoulder pads and helmets for just under two hours.
For the first time since the Blazers arrived Saturday morning at the Island of Oahu, the UAB squad awoke to mostly clouds rather than a bright sunshine. In fact, the early part of Tuesday's practice was held with a short dose of light rain. That didn't last long, however, as is usually the case in Honolulu.
By afternoon, the sun had returned as the Blazers enjoyed a couple hours at Hawaiian Adventures Water Park before a beachside party just outside their team hotel capped off the evening.
The early morning workout at the stadium was UAB's last "regular" practice prior to Friday's game with Hawai'i. The Blazers will hold a shorter practice Wednesday morning before going through a walk-through Thursday afternoon.
"I thought we had another good practice," UAB head coach Watson Brown said following Tuesday's workout. "We've really not had a bad practice since we came out here or even since we started our bowl practice. I think our kids are focused on the bowl and will play well on Friday.
"I think we've had some of our better practices out here," said Brown. "I think our guys are handling this the right way. We've got to start working after today to get our legs back. We probably won't go but about an hour Wednesday and then Thursday, we'll have a short walk-through. "
Two Blazers who have not seen action since early in the season because of injuries are expected to get on the field Friday against the Warriors. Senior safety Justin Whitmore, sideline since breaking his leg in the Sept. 25 game vs. Memphis, is expected to see action, at least on special teams while defensive end Kyle Bissinger, out since early in the fall with an ankle injury, is also expected to see action.
UAB will kick off with Hawai'i on Friday at 2:00 p.m. The Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl will be televised by ESPN.
