Dec. 27, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Upon its arrival in Memphis on Wednesday, the UCF football team and coaching staff went directly to the University of Memphis for the first of three practices leading up to Saturday's AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. Mississippi State.
The Knights worked out for just over an hour on the practice fields during the regular season by their Conference USA East Division foe Memphis. Following the workout, the team and staff took part in a welcome party for both squads at Jillian's in Downtown Memphis.
The players and coaches were treated to a nice dinner and bowling lanes, pool tables and arcade games were made available for the travel party to enjoy for a few hours.
On Thursday morning, the Knights once again worked out at the U of M's practice facility for just under two hours as the team concluded its installation of the game plan for the Bulldogs. The weather was in the 40's for the Knights' workout, but the energy and enthusiasm were high as the team prepared for its second bowl game in school history.
The players and coaches were then honored at an awards luncheon hosted by Conference USA for both schools. The Knights, who received, All-Conference USA coaches' honors were recognized for their achievements on the field, while UCF president Dr. John Hitt, UCFAA athletics director Keith Tribble and head coach George O'Leary were all given a chance to speak to the crowd of more than 500 attendees.
The final item on the Knights' Thursday agenda will be the team's annual football banquet, which will take place at the Memphis Hilton. The coaching staff will hand out the team awards for offensive, defensive and special teams players of the year, most improved as well as specialty and academic awards.
UCF will have a brief walk through on Friday following a visit to St. Jude's Children Hospital by O'Leary and the 2007 seniors.