Ducks enjoy mix of work, play

With camp not far off, Oregon players seek out summer fun

By stephen alexander

The Portland Tribune, Jul 29, 2010

JAIME VALDEZ / Tribune File Photo

Running back LaMichael James waves to Oregon fans after the Ducks’ loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

EUGENE —It’s serious business as the Oregon Ducks gather for a summer workout. Shirts come off some of the players, showing the muscle they have won in the weight room. Shouts and cheers echo when a pass is completed or broken up. The drills are nearly as organized as they would be if the coaches were there.

The players have been working hard in the weight room and on the practice field four days a week, getting ready to defend their Pac-10 title. Training camp is just around the corner. The opener against New Mexico at Autzen Stadium is Sept. 4.

But the Ducks are are allowing themselves to have a bit of fun and do other things this summer.

Quarterback Nate Costa has had a summer internship with the Springfield Police Department. And, to relax, Costa has gone to Triangle Lake for some water fun. Costa has been riding on WaveRunners and getting on inner tubes attached to the back of a boat.

“A little bit unsafe, but still safe,” Costa says, smiling. “I’m pretty good (on the tubes). I’ve got good core strength and good balance. I’d like to say I’m one of the best. I can hold my own against anyone out there.”

It’s no big surprise that 6-5, 295-pound senior center Jordan Holmes has been hitting the barbecues. Holmes loves Oregon strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe’s “awesome” chicken. For Holmes, the draw is as much about team camaraderie as the food.

“We’re trying to spend as much time with our teammates as possible,” Holmes says. “We’re trying to lay back and recover whenever we have free time.”

Holmes also has been working as an intern strength coach at Willamette High. Can he out-lift the prep players? “Oh, yeah, definitely,” he says, laughing.

Running back LaMichael James has spent the summer swimming, bowling and playing video games. He has tried to spend a lot of time with defensive players, who he does not have as much of a chance to hang out with during the season.

James says he has rolled a 200 in bowling. But he is even better with a controller in NCAA Football.

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