Fort Collins – His car stereo was burglarized. His team is on five-game losing streak. So it wouldn’t appear Colorado State defensive tackle Erik Sandie has much to be thankful for this week.
To the contrary, Sandie approached practice Monday with renewed enthusiasm for the Rams’ home finale Saturday against Texas Christian.
CSU’s practice took on a surreal tone, ending at 2 p.m. instead of in the dark at 5 p.m. Players had the parking lot near the athletic complex to themselves, with students gone on Thanksgiving break.
“It’s kind of weird. I almost forgot how cool it is to play football,” Sandie said. “I was just so happy to be out there practicing and just playing with my friends.”
The lack of distraction from classes during the holiday break provided an atmosphere similar to preseason work in August, just a little colder. Dressed in shorts and a T-shirt after practice, Sandie’s only concession to the temperature (40 degrees) was his hat, “The Russian,” a furry contraption with ear flaps that tie under his neck.
At least the folks who stole his car stereo and speakers didn’t take the prized hat. Most teammates wouldn’t be caught dead in it. CSU coach Sonny Lubick, though, would love to borrow it but said, “He won’t let me use it.”
Lubick told the Rams’ freshmen and other scout team members they were free to go home this week, rather than missing time with their families for an hour or so of practice each day. The coach said only 15 to 20 players took him up on the offer. The in-state players remained, as well as several out-of-staters.
To fill in the holes left by those who left campus, Rams’ kickers filled in at wide receiver on the scout team Monday. Sandie said the enthusiasm of watching the ones who voluntarily stayed, as well as the sight of punter Jimmie Kaylor at wide receiver, impressed the starters.
With the Rams (4-6, 1-5 Mountain West Conference) having little motivation, Sandie said, “There’s no one to play for but ourselves.”
TCU’s 52-0 rout of San Diego State, CSU’s final opponent Dec. 2, demanded the Rams’ attention. “There’s never been a question of TCU’s talent,” defensive end Jesse Nading said. “It will be a nice challenge for us.”
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
