The Hawks hit the field on Thursday night once the bad weather cleared for their first official practice of the season.
“We were very pleased with the effort, and the kids came with a great attitude and did a nice job today,” said Shorter coach Phil Jones. “It’s been a good day and they were excited.”
The rain that poured throughout Rome for most of the day simply cooled the weather off for the Hawks, who are preparing for a historic season.
After competing in the NAIA for the past seven years, Shorter is making the transition into the NCAA Division II ranks.
The Hawks open the season on Aug. 30, when they visit Buies Creek, N.C. to face the Campbell University Fighting Camels.
Campbell is a Division I Football Championship Series member.
This week, the Hawks are going through their acclimation period that the NCAA requires.
“We went in shorts and helmets (today) for our NCAA acclimation time,” said Jones, “and we’ll put the full pads on Monday.”
Jones and the Shorter coaching staff have some big challenges ahead — not only in terms of the difficult schedule but also because they will be replacing 20 players from the 2011 squad.
The team posted a 6-4 record last season while closing out their seven-year run in the NAIA.
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