Aug. 16, 2002

Offensive tackle Scott Raridon checked in with UND.com to talk about preseason camp, adjusting to a hectic schedule and life as a freshman.

Q. Talk about the first couple days of practice and what it was like for a freshman.

A. It has been going pretty good. Coach has been teaching us a lot of discipline. We are working on cleaning up a lot of the little things that we have been doing. He is trying to shape up the team as a whole. The biggest change for me so far has been the fast pace of everything. Everywhere you go during practice, you have to jog.

Q. Were you expecting the practices to be as intense as they have been?

A. I was really expecting the worst coming in. I was prepared for death and to be totally exhausted. Everything so far actually has been very good, compared to what I thought.

Q. Talk about life at O’Neil Hall and what it is like for the whole team to live at one place for preseason training.

A. At first, I didn’t really like it because all I could think about was sleeping in my own bed at home. After a couple days, I would wake up and really started to get use to it. It is nice now because I can go to the common areas and watch t.v. with all the guys. We all can sit around and crack jokes which helps keep your mind off of being homesick. Living here builds comradery and it makes you feel like you are part of the team.

Q. What has been the hardest part of camp so far?

A. When it was just the freshman at first, it was really hard because we each got so many reps. Now since the veterans got here, it has not been as hard physically but it has been more difficult mentally. We have had to learn all the plays which has been difficult.

Q. In the few moments that you get to relax, what do you do?

A. I do a little bit of everything. I brought a computer so I get on that. Sometimes, I go to the common area and watch t.v. or I just take a nap.