Aug. 17, 2007
This is the time when cleats are completely broken in and the practice fields are showing visible scars of the training camp battles that have been fought. Looking back at my years at the University of New Mexico it was always evident when players and coaches alike were ready for the arrival of the season. After two weeks of warm weather practices and the routine bumps and bruises of training camp the Sept. 1 season opener cannot arrive any sooner for the Lobos.
In my training camp experiences the biggest thing I started looking forward to around this time of year was for me to be able to compete and challenge myself against someone other than my teammates. After two weeks of practices against the same people you’ve studied each other’s tendencies and anticipate each other’s moves, and therefore the desired results are harder to achieve.
With the arrival of the season comes a completely different approach to many things. Weekly preparation is focused on that week’s opponent and the challenges they create. Also a huge difference is the fact that the mistakes made during training camp are no longer acceptable and if made now can cost the team greatly.
With the opening of the season players realize that many of the team goals and aspirations that were set months prior are now on the line. Wins and losses will now be kept and there are no second chances if you’re going to make a run at the Mountain West Conference title.
The excitement of the gameday atmosphere is something that can never be recreated and is another reason why I as a player was eager to put training camp behind me and get the season started. With just two more practices left in training camp, including Saturday’s Fan Photo Day scrimmage at University Stadium, the team will look to fine tune areas and begin the transition into the seasonal approach to the 2007 campaign. Everything counts for real beginning Sept. 1 at UTEP and I can tell you that the players can’t wait to hit the field and square off against a unfamiliar opponent for a change.
-D.J.
David J. Renteria was a four-year letterman (1999-2003) and two-year starter on the defensive line at New Mexico. Renteria was a first team all-Mountain West Conference selection in 2003, when he helped lead the nation’s fifth-ranked run defense, and a second team pick in ’02. The Roswell, N.M. native finished his career tied for ninth all-time at UNM with 34.5 tackles for loss. He also had 14 sacks and 111 tackles in 49 games (29 starts). Renteria played professionally for three years with the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos organizations. He is currently working as a student assistant in the UNM Athletics Media Relations office and will earn his degree in Communications in December of ’07.