Aztecs’ Intensity, Condition Give Luginbill Reasons for Cheer

The upbeat sights and sounds of San Diego State’s first full team practices of the season Thursday were interrupted briefly when freshman receiver Marc Ziegler broke his collarbone diving for a pass, but that was the only damper on what Coach Al Luginbill and several players said was an encouraging day.

The freshmen have been practicing since Friday, but the rest of the team reported Wednesday and Luginbill ran them through their first two-a-day practices Thursday.

“We’re in good shape,” Luginbill said. “We got a lot accomplished. It’s different in the fact that we don’t have to plead and beg the athletes to play hard and with intensity this year.”

Said senior receiver Dennis Arey: “I think everything went well. We’re way beyond last year as far as being in shape and playing-wise. Our intensity is up.”

The Aztecs spent most of their time working out in clusters, grouped by their positions. The ironic thing about Ziegler’s injury is that the Aztecs aren’t even in pads yet--contact drills in full pads begin Sunday. According to NCAA rules, the first three days of fall practice are non-contact periods.

“The only thing I don’t like about no pads is that you’re susceptible to freak things,” Luginbill said. “That’s why we try to be careful these three days.”

Ziegler’s broken right collarbone is expected to keep him out six to eight weeks. Luginbill has said he will redshirt “99%” of the freshman class, but the status of Ziegler--a Mira Mesa graduate--was still undetermined. The injury will likely cause that to change and Ziegler to redshirt.

Otherwise, there were laughs and smiles and the enthusiasm that comes with a new season. The Aztecs were required to pass a physical fitness test when they reported Wednesday, and 65 of the 69 returning players passed. And, according to strength and conditioning coach David Ohton, one of the four who didn’t pass missed the test because he was in class.

No matter, all four passed on Thursday.

“I’m ecstatic,” Ohton said. “This saves the coaches a lot of time. The players can run harder during practice, they’re sharper, they practice better and they can pay attention better.”

Ohton said that 12 to 15 players failed the test--which consists of a series of strenuous runs--last year.

“The attitude is pretty upbeat for the most part,” said senior receiver Jimmy Raye. “Ninety to 95% of the team came back in good condition. That’s the first time that’s happened in a couple of years. I think everyone is on a mission to prove what we did last year is not a fluke.”

The Aztecs finished with their first winning record last season (6-5-1) since 1986. They did it in Luginbill’s first year, which makes these guys think that now, with the system familiar to nearly everyone, good things will happen.

“I think everyone who came out of the spring didn’t show any loss of learning,” senior center Nick Subis said. “Everyone came into camp prepared. From what it looks like, everyone worked hard. We looked good running, and we didn’t make as many mistakes on the first day as on the first days of practices in the past since I’ve been here.”

Conditioning is one reason, according to Luginbill, and the other is, after a year of attempting to get the players to adjust to his way of thinking, the intensity level is finally where he likes it.

“They understand when it is time to go hard,” Luginbill said. “A year ago, we were working on that. We still stress it, but we don’t need to stress it as much. And it’s infectious--the new people who come in only know one speed. It helps the whole football team.”

Two-a-days continue through Aug. 27, when classes begin. The first scrimmage is Wednesday.

Aztec Notes

Quarterback Dan McGwire had a rough day. No, he wasn’t throwing interceptions. It seems he developed an eye irritation Wednesday, and the doctor told him not to wear his contact lenses for a day. And because his glasses don’t fit well under his helmet, he was passing to fuzzy targets. “Everything’s a blur out there,” he said after the first practice. “I thought I had a decent day, but with the blurred vision I’m just trying to do the best I can.” . . . Five players sat on the sidelines during practice Thursday: senior defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele (groin strain), freshman linebacker Mark Roberts (groin strain), junior offensive lineman Judd Rachow (cervical strain), senior defensive lineman Jason Swaney (right ankle sprain) and junior running back Art Barry (inflamed right knee).