The RedHawks (8-4, 7-1) face 24th-ranked Northern Illinois (10-2, 8-0) at Detroit's Ford Field in the MAC Championship game on Friday.
View full sizeThe payoff of a season of practices at dawn were clear for the Miami Redhawks and coach Mike Haywood as they surveyed Ford Field prior to Friday's Mid-American Conference title game against Northern Illinois.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The talent on the field has not changed much for Miami University's football team or coach Mike Haywood.
But a change of practice habits has made a huge impact on the RedHawks. After going 1-10 in 2009, they are the Mid-American Conference's East Division champions for 2010. Friday, the RedHawks (8-4, 7-1) will face 24th-ranked Northern Illinois (10-2, 8-0) at Detroit's Ford Field in the MAC Championship game.
Haywood abandoned traditional afternoon practices in favor of 6 a.m. or 6:50 a.m. starts. The move was initially made to have players available for practice who had afternoon classes and study tables. But the added benefits, Haywood said, have been key to this championship season.
With the exception of QB Zac Dysert (lacerated spleen), the RedHawks should be at full strength against NIU. Haywood said the new practice routine has helped players academically and given them more time to rehabilitate injuries.
"We went to the 6 a.m. practice last spring, which was extremely rewarding because we didn't lose one player for any academic issues or any other issues," Haywood explained. "We continued it this fall.
"We usually give the players off on Monday. So on Tuesday and Thursday we practice at 6:50 in the morning. On Wednesday we practice at 6 a.m.
"The most important thing is we've only had two players have to go take a test in the morning and miss a practice, as opposed to 45 or 50 last year. At the same time, for us going into this game against Northern Illinois, we're going to have 561/2 hours rest before we walk on the field for pregame workout."
"We're getting guys back a lot faster, because we're getting three to four treatments a day, more time for rehab," the coach said. "Last year we had 23 guys at the end of the season who weren't able to play the last game of the season. This year we had five."
Another plus has been no off-field issues with players, because early practice means early bed time. Coaches have more time for both game plans and personal time with their families.
With the success of this season, Haywood said does not expect to change back anytime soon.
"Our coaches, once we got acclimated to it, loved this morning practice," Haywood said. "It gives us so much more time, and we even go home at a reasonable hour and get to raise your kids.
"We're definitely going to continue with our morning practices."