Scott Davis' Diary: Week Five

PULLMAN -- The only thing I can say about summer workouts is it just keeps getting harder. Just when you think it can’t get any tougher - it does. Last Wednesday we had to run 16 half gassers (across the width of the football field and back) under 18 seconds with the first eight at 45 seconds rest, then the second eight with a minute of rest. I thought I was going to die.

It gets worse: Next Monday we have to run both sets of eight with just 45 seconds rest and still keep it under 18 seconds. We run the gassers at 5:30 p.m. -- right in the heat of the day. But it’s good conditioning in the heat because we’re going to play some games that likely will be in hot weather and will be very tiring if we’re not prepared.

And the workouts do not stop there.

We are back running at 5:45 a.m. the next day--just a 12-hour turnaround. The only thing that keeps me going while I run is the constant thought that I can’t let my team down and I want to improve. On the weekends I try to watch movies that get me inspired to go the extra mile-- like the Rocky flicks. If an underdog like Balboa can go the distance with Apollo Creed, the champ, and then become the champ himself and beat people like Clubber Lang and that big Russian dude, I tell myself I can do it, as well.

ONE THING I’VE enjoyed about this summer is the new—and improved—EA Sports NCAA 2005. I was able to get it yesterday and play a few games. Let me tell you, it is fun. The best part about the game is it has my teammates on it; guys I know and kick it with. I can actually be playing with somebody I know. I’m not saying that I am the realest at the game, but I did beat one of the best players on the entire Palouse, Eric Frampton. He claims by next week he will be unbeatable in the game. It is a big competition here in Pullman. Hamza Abdullah, Eric and Chris Jordan all think they’re the best, but we’ll have to see in a couple of weeks.

If you have any questions about anything just ask and I will be glad to try to answer them.

Scott Davis is a sophomore outside linebacker from Kennewick's Kamiakin High, where he was a three-time All-State running back. He and teammate Cody Boyd graciously volunteered to give Cougar fans a window on the world of pre-season football preparation with weekly diaries.