University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Boca Raton Bowl
Memphis Arrives in the Sunshine State for Boca Raton Bowl
Dec 17, 2016 | Football
Tigers enjoying bowl festivities and warm weather
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Sunshine and warm temperatures greeted the Tigers when they arrived in Palm Beach on Friday afternoon ahead of the Dec. 20 Boca Raton Bowl. Memphis started the week long trip surrounding the bowl game by checking into the lavish PGA National Resort & Spa, where the Tigers will call home for five days.
Memphis (8-4) and Western Kentucky (10-3) will square off in the third edition of the Boca Raton Bowl Tuesday at 6 p.m. (CT) at FAU Stadium. The game will be broadcast to a national television audience on ESPN.
"This is a good experience and another opportunity to play a football game as well as visit a new site that we haven't been to," redshirt junior defensive lineman Ernest Suttles said. "It's a good experience socially and for football."
A welcome party around the resort's swimming pool got the trip started. While a few players went for a quick swim, others took advantage of a lounge area where they played air hockey, billiards and video games as part of the welcome party.
While the Tigers arrived in style and enjoyed a night off Friday, Saturday morning was a quick reminder that this is a business trip. It was a workday for the Tigers, as they stepped back onto the practice field at a local high school, Oxbridge Academy, to continue preparations for the game in the South Florida heat and humidity.
Memphis practiced in 30 and 40-degree temperatures at home on the fields of the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex before arriving in Florida, so acclimating to the different climate will be important.
"We have to get acclimated a little bit to the weather but obviously we are in some wonderful conditions. I thought today was a good workday," head coach Mike Norvell said.
Following practice and a brief rest, the Tigers headed to a beach party. The players took part in some sand volleyball, while others took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
The team will be back at practice on Sunday morning before departing the resort in the evening for a bowling event. On Monday the team will take part in the kickoff luncheon with both the Tigers and Hilltoppers in attendance. Memphis then has it's pregame walkthrough at FAU Stadium in the afternoon.
Memphis (8-4) and Western Kentucky (10-3) will square off in the third edition of the Boca Raton Bowl Tuesday at 6 p.m. (CT) at FAU Stadium. The game will be broadcast to a national television audience on ESPN.
"This is a good experience and another opportunity to play a football game as well as visit a new site that we haven't been to," redshirt junior defensive lineman Ernest Suttles said. "It's a good experience socially and for football."
A welcome party around the resort's swimming pool got the trip started. While a few players went for a quick swim, others took advantage of a lounge area where they played air hockey, billiards and video games as part of the welcome party.
While the Tigers arrived in style and enjoyed a night off Friday, Saturday morning was a quick reminder that this is a business trip. It was a workday for the Tigers, as they stepped back onto the practice field at a local high school, Oxbridge Academy, to continue preparations for the game in the South Florida heat and humidity.
Memphis practiced in 30 and 40-degree temperatures at home on the fields of the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex before arriving in Florida, so acclimating to the different climate will be important.
"We have to get acclimated a little bit to the weather but obviously we are in some wonderful conditions. I thought today was a good workday," head coach Mike Norvell said.
Following practice and a brief rest, the Tigers headed to a beach party. The players took part in some sand volleyball, while others took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
The team will be back at practice on Sunday morning before departing the resort in the evening for a bowling event. On Monday the team will take part in the kickoff luncheon with both the Tigers and Hilltoppers in attendance. Memphis then has it's pregame walkthrough at FAU Stadium in the afternoon.
Players Mentioned
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