Weston Carr and the Cougars brave the heat to get in some work. (Photo by Duane Barker)
(Azusa) The Azusa Pacific Cougars battled the heat Wednesday afternoon practicing in 100+ degree temperatures in one of their last couple practices before the season starts. The Cougars will leave Friday to take on West Texas A&M on Saturday in the season opener.
More than 100 players are on the roster and all went through the drills under the blistering sun. Victor Santa Cruz and staff made sure the pace of practice was good with plenty of water breaks worked in.
The Cougars will look to build on the success of the 2016 season in which they earned the GNAC Conference title and an invitation to the Division II playoffs. APU will open the season as the #13 team in the American Football Coaches Association football poll.
Everyone loves APU, especially with so many local HS kids playing there and having success.
The Mid never use to cover La Serna but now your mad cuz they didn’t cover them this past weekend? The Mid works hard to cover all local sports and they have a limited staff so cut them some slack. I enjoy these articles about APU and please guys keep them coming.
From Duane B.: Thanks for the kind words Legend but to say we never covered La Serna isn’t entirely accurate. We have history back to the Buenrostro days through the playoff appearances, the Frankie Palmer years and the championship against Norwalk!
Great mention of APU! Lets be honest not all athletes get full rides to D1 schools. But its great to hear that local colleges are giving athletes the opportunity to continue their academic and football career at a high level.
I got an idea, buy yourself a camera and lenses, go and shoot la sernas games and then send it all plus an article to TP and he will post in on here. Win win for all!
I’m a tad confused here: Peterson has said the Smudge Pot takes priority because of huge fan interest. Does APU get covered for the same reason? Notice also that APU practice gets a full set of photos, but an actual La Serna game doesn’t even get MENTIONED. I’m all for the “it’s my site so I’ll do what I want” sentiment, but be man enough to admit your biases.