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\'Twas the Night before Training Camp

March 10, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


Editors Note: Third year offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai sat down with centralvalleyvoyotes.com today to talk about all the hype that leads up to training camp.

The Central Valley Coyotes are only one day away from the start of 2004 Training Camp at Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall One in Fresno, CA.

The start of camp marks the official beginning of a long and grueling af2 season, especially for the players. It's a time of uncertainty for what the season might bring, anticipation to get started and preparation that will ultimately lead to victories on the field. In this last week of so-called "freedom" for the players, what could possibly be going through their heads as they embark on this incredible journey that is known only as camp?

Third year offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai offered insight into what he's been doing to get ready for training camp and what he expects. Leung-Wai is coming off a breakout season in 2003 and has taken this off-season getting ready for ‘04. In terms of preparation, Leung-Wai knows where he stands.

"In this last week I've spent more time working out, actually stepping it up a little bit to make sure my body is in great shape," said Leung-Wai. "I've been doing things like working on drills, treadmill and of course (working hard) on the weights. I'm ready"

For the players, camp is a time of intense studying of the playbook and intense focus on the field. This is where the anticipation lies.

"I can't wait for those days when your body is like I can't go another day and all the sudden you're out there and you're like I did it," Leung-Wai said with a smile. "And the days when you are doing things that you didn't think that you could do. Camp is what will make you, it's really hard and not many people can do it. After it's over you feel a real sense of pride."

Leung-Wai knows first-hand what a busy time camp is and how little free time the players have. "You don't have very much time at all. Maybe four or five of us will go out for a couple of hours here and there when we have an evening off. We'll go out to catch a breather and pretend we've been gone a long time!"

One thing that Leung-Wai looks forward to this year is getting out to an early start in the season.

"Last year was rough starting out 1-6, but this year is going to be a little bit different, we only have two weeks of camp and then it's the West Division Champs [Hawaiian Islanders], so we're going to have to mentally and physically prepare to go to battle come March 27th," Leung-Wai said.

Leung-Wai, along with the rest of the Coyotes, will begin reporting to camp today at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall One in Fresno, CA and will wrap up the 2004 camp on March 21. Practices are open to the public.

"I love it when the fans are out there," said Leung-Wai. "During camp you have all kinds of people watching everyday. When someone makes a big play you hear them over in the 'peanut gallery' and it makes it fun."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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