RedHawks coach in building mode

Since taking over the Miami football program, there's been little time for Mike Haywood to pause, like he did for this March 2009 photo. Summer brings youth football camps, the RedHawks' summer camp and then preparation for the team's Sept. 5 opener against Kentucky at Paul Brown Stadium.

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Since taking over the Miami football program, there's been little time for Mike Haywood to pause, like he did for this March 2009 photo. Summer brings youth football camps, the RedHawks' summer camp and then preparation for the team's Sept. 5 opener against Kentucky at Paul Brown Stadium.

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 1:31 PM Wednesday, June 24, 2009

OXFORD — Early June is a relatively serene time for first-year Miami University football coach Mike Haywood, whose first summer camp with the RedHawks is slightly less than two months away.

“It’s a lot quieter,” Haywood said with a grin, referring to the fact that most Miami students are away on summer break. “A lot more parking spaces.

“I’m settled in pretty much,” he added. “I moved into a condo to stay for a while so I’m able to build a house.”

Haywood also is in the process of rebuilding a program. The campus might be quieter, but there always is work to be done, for the coaching staff and for the RedHawks who have remained in Oxford.

“For the student-athletes, (summer classes) session one began almost a week ago,” Haywood said, “and they’re working out four days a week.

“We’ll have approximately 83 of our 85 scholarship players here July 29 for session three,” said Haywood, who in the meantime will spend much of June conducting youth football camps at Miami.

The RedHawks’ summer camp will begin Aug. 6, leading up to Miami’s season opener Sept. 5. against the Kentucky Wildcats at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

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