University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Postcards From Camp: Lousaka Polite
8/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Postcards From Camp: Lousaka Polite
8/13/2002
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Lousaka Polite
Junior Fullback
Q: How were your summer workouts?
A: Summer workouts, they were good. We had a new strength and conditioning coach (Dave Kennedy) come in this summer, and he did a good job with us. I think the whole team responded well to him, so I think it went very well.
Q: Do you think his (Dave Kennedy) effects were beneficial in your own conditioning?
A: Definitely. I personally gained some weight this summer. I was also able to drop my body fat. I am faster and I feel as strong as I have ever been. So he has been very instrumental in my life.
Q: Coach (Shawn) Simms said that he wants you to be more dominate in your phase to complete your role on the team. With that in mind, what do you think you need to accomplish in the first few games to gain that dominating spirit?
A: Basically, I hate to use that word in the definition, but I have to dominate my opponent in every play. Whatever my assignment is take on that particular player and win the battle. With no excuses just dominate, that?s the perfect word for it.
Q: As a veteran many of the newcomers look up to you for guidance. Is there any particular newcomer that you see a lot of potential in?
A: Actually, I see the whole freshmen class having potential. With what I saw the past couple of days during freshman camp I think all of them have potential. There is no single person I can single out, I think they all have potential.
Q: Last season began with a slow start, however with the completion of a 6-0 run including the bowl game you guys finished with a winning streak that has momentum to flow into this season. Do you think that momentum will help you all out?
A: I think so, just because of the fact that you are as good as your last game. We went out as winners, so we?re going to come in feeling that way. We want to continue on the streak.
Q: Who do you think will be the toughest opponent this season?
A: That is a tough one. A lot of times people think that the best team on paper is always going to be the tougher game. That?s not the case, though. Every team is going to be tough, especially in the Big East conference. So I don?t know. It is going to be tough at
Q: Well, many people know that the transition from high school to college is difficult without some similarities. Do you think the addition of Shawntae (Spencer), Tutu (
A: I think so for the simple fact that I have been playing with those guys since I was 8 years old. It is easier to go to guys that you know better on a more personal level. Not to say that the other guys aren?t, but there is a difference. You grow up with them and you know so much, so it does help.
Q: Would it make it even better if they were offensive players?
A: No not really because in practice you get to compete against them and go after them, so it makes it all better. So it is kind of good that it is spread out a little bit. It is kind of lop-sided though. There are three of them on defense, but it?s all good.
By Sophia Duck
