Given how the Syracuse Orange football team has been spending part of its summers at Fort Drum in upstate New York for the past several years, it’s no secret that the players and coaching staff would build a relationship with the local military community; since the town is home to the 10th Mountain Division (light infantry) of the U.S. Army.
This relationship with the locals has gotten to the point where some of the players were seen fighting with pugil sticks in full pads as some local officers watched on.
Stephen Bailey of the Post-Standard offered more on Twitter.
Rob Trudo beats Donnie Simmons in bugle fighting: pic.twitter.com/uWBiMjRrW2
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) August 19, 2015
Erv Philips vs. Antwan Cordy pic.twitter.com/76Mv7hzksK
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) August 19, 2015
An early look at the 2016 QB battle. Eric Dungey vs. Austin Wilson pic.twitter.com/muqELWXjwa
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) August 19, 2015
Freshman OL Colin Byrne vs. DE Jake Pickard pic.twitter.com/xWLfZcmECE
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) August 19, 2015
The team appears to have an extra bounce in it step, a welcome sight for any Syracuse fan since the team has gone just 10-15 (5-11 ACC) in two years under Scott Shafer and hasn’t had a truly winning season since 2012, when Doug Marrone led the Orange to a Big East title.
Hopefully, this new intensity carries over to September 4, when Syracuse opens the season at home against the CAA’s Rhode Island Rams.
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