Camp needs should include your pillow
Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive end Jeb Huckeba had his bags packed for his first NFL training camp when he realized he’d forgotten something important.
“I brought my own pillow,” the fifth-round draft pick from the University of Arkansas said. “I brought so much stuff because I won’t have a chance to go back to Arkansas. My suitcase was full and I had to unzip it, stuff my pillow in there and I actually had to lie on top of it so I could zip it up.
“My own pillow – that’s critical.”
The Seahawks open training camp this morning at Eastern Washington University, and some have perfected the art of packing to help deal with the monotony that inevitably sets in during the three-plus weeks the team will spend in Cheney. When they have spare time, players typically turn to computers, video games and cards. Coach Mike Holmgren has been seen enjoying motorcycle rides at past camps.
Veteran fullback Mack Strong has packed for 13 training camps, dating back to when the team held camp in Kirkland, Wash. He’s learned that no matter what he brings, it’s still training camp, and that’s something he embraces.
“I pack very light,” Strong said. “I don’t have a TV. I have pictures of my family. I have my Bible and a few other books. I have a CD player and that’s it. This isn’t a resort. It isn’t a vacation.
“I’m out here to train and I try to keep a training environment around me. This isn’t to have fun and drink mai tais by the pool. We’re out here to get ready for the season.”
The 93 players on the roster reside at Pearce Hall. Some coaches, staff and camp assistants stay at Dressler Hall. Holmgren and other team executives use 10 apartments that are usually occupied by EWU married students.
Most players get their own rooms, but some rookies and free agents have to share. About 80 of the 90 rooms have air conditioning and California king beds, which are about 3-4 inches longer than standard king-size beds.
“We store all those and the A.C. (units) and we put those things in when they’re scheduled to be here so we have it all done for them,” said Ron Sperber, EWU’s liaison for Seahawks training camp. “It’s a big challenge for our staff. It’s probably 10 days to two weeks to get everything converted.”
The Seahawks also use the bottom floor of Patterson Hall for coaches’ offices and meeting rooms.
The team years ago purchased roughly 150 air conditioning units and approximately 70 televisions.
“They have a contract with Cheney Cable to put in 70 or so TVs; (the Seahawks) bought them and we store them and have them installed just before camp,” Sperber said. “Some of the players will go out and rent their own TVs if they don’t like the 27-inch ones, so there’s a lot of spin-off benefits that hit Cheney and Spokane.”
Huckeba and seventh-round pick Doug Nienhuis are sharing a room.
“I pretty much just brought clothes, but I did bring a couple of other things,” said Nienhuis, an offensive lineman from Oregon State. “I was a photo major, so I brought my digital camera. If I have some time I can do some of that.”
Huckeba and Nienhuis don’t have a television in their room.
“I can go without because when you’re here, it’s football, and I’ll use the extra time to get into my playbook,” Huckeba said. “Especially for a rookie, you have to know what you’re doing when you get out there.”
Strong doesn’t want a TV.
“I don’t need a TV,” he said. “Every time I’m in my room I’m sleeping. When I play cards, I play downstairs. Quite a few guys play Texas Hold ‘em (poker). I’m not a gambling-type player, so spades is my game of choice. I guess I’ve run all the young guys off, so I’m finding it hard to find some competition around here.”
Notes
Running back Shaun Alexander, who signed a one-year contract earlier this week, might not be in camp today, but he has a valid excuse. His wife Valerie is due to give birth to the couple’s second child any day in Seattle. … First-round draft pick Chris Spencer and second-rounder Lofa Tatupu remain unsigned, but the team remains optimistic that agreements are close. … Seattle will practice twice today, from 8:45 to 10:50 a.m. and again from 2:45 to 4:35 p.m. There will be two-a-days for the first three days. Monday’s afternoon session is for special teams from 2 to 3.