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Iowa State University Athletics
President Geoffroy Kicks Off First Football Practice
08.06.2009 | Football
AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State's football team opened fall practice Thursday and started with a visit from a special friend, ISU President Gregory Geoffroy. Dr. Geoffroy told the team they have a unique place in the mission of Iowa State University.
“When you do well, the university benefits,” Geoffroy said. “We are behind you and looking forward to the season-opener four weeks from now.”
Geoffroy was personally invited to practice by first-year head football coach Paul Rhoads. The head coach had all the student-athletes who have graduated or those that will graduate in the next year raise their hands. A sizable number did so.
Geoffroy appreciated the program's focus on graduation.
“The best thing you can do for Iowa State is graduate,” Geoffroy said.
The Iowa State president was at ease before the team and after a short speech spent several minutes visiting with football players as practice resumed.
“(Dr. Geoffroy) is a great friend of athletics,” Rhoads said. “I invited him here today because I want you all to know that is true.”
It was a beautiful day for practice with the temperature hovering around the 80-degree mark. When drills got underway, it was intense practice that was completely scripted as the offense worked on mastering not only plays but a quick process of getting the play called and executed.
“We have a lot to work on but we have time to do that and we'll be ready in four weeks time.”
Iowa State opens the season Sept. 3 against North Dakota State in Jack Trice Stadium. Click here to hear comments from Rhoads' after the first practice of training camp
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