HAMMOND – After two days of working out in nearly perfect conditions, the Southeastern Louisiana University football team battled the August heat and humidity for the second consecutive day in preparation for its Aug. 30 opener at Alcorn State.

The Lions practiced for two hours Thursday on the Southeastern Practice Fields in shoulder pads, wrapping up the workout with conditioning drills. After opening the season the past two years in the dry climate of New Mexico, head coach Mike Lucas is looking for his team to be ready when the Lions open the 2008 campaign in stickier conditions in Lorman, Miss.

“We’ve changed our conditioning routine compared to last year when we opened camp, we’re going to condition everyday” Lucas said. “Last year, we opened up with a high-altitude game at New Mexico State and this year we’re opening up at Alcorn State. It will be a much more humid atmosphere and we need to do everything to be ready to play. We’re trying to be more up-tempo and running to the ball, so we need to be in better condition and we will work on that each day.”

Jasper Ducksworth, who will back up All-America candidate Jay Lucas at running back, provided several nice runs in team drills while the defense forced three turnovers.

Southeastern will return to practice on Friday at 8 a.m., working out in full pads for the first time. The Lions will open two-a-days beginning Saturday with practices scheduled for 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All practices are open to the public.