Training Camp Notebook: 3/26/26 - Pads Coming On

The Washington Wolfpack have been in camp for four days now, and the pads have come on. After running three-a-days for the first three days with no practice, they’ve dropped down to one practice a day with pads. The team is also having regular meetings, lifting, recovery, and much more. The team bond continues to grow even stronger now that everybody is together. 

OUTDOOR PRACTICE

The team is currently practicing outside. Being in Washington, especially practicing three times a day, they’ve been exposed to a lot of different outside elements. The team's ability to adjust to those elements is something head coach JR Wells knows will only benefit the team once they’re indoors.  

“We’re training outdoors, so on the West Coast, the weather is crazy. You can go to lunch, and it’s completely different than when we were just out here. It’s good, though, because it tests our character as a team and as a unit,” JR said, adding it’s a good test for the team. 

“It really comes down to execution. Can you fundamentally focus on what the goal is? We understand through our meetings what our assignment is and what we are looking to accomplish. If you can’t focus in on that outside with the elements, it’ll be tough on you in the arena. There are walls, fans screaming, and so many different distractions from your assignment. If you can lock in right now, everything else will be great.” 

WIDE RECEIVERS STANDING OUT

Again, Coach would name all the players if he could. However, I asked him to give me a couple of the newer or younger guys who are standing out on the field. Two wide receivers in particular jumped to his mind with Jojo Olibrice and Brandon Lombana. 

“Gives me chills just thinking about how fast they’re picking things up and what they’re able to do on the field. They’re really nice kids, personality-wise. They fit really well within our culture, and they’re doing some really good things on film,” Coach said. 

Olibrice brings previous Arena experience, while Lombana is new to the Arena game. They’re both ready to make an impact for the Wolfpack, alongside returning veteran Aakiel Greer. 

HEALTHY CAMP

So far, there hasn’t been anybody on the ‘table’ injured. Despite it only being four days, the grind has been real, and having no injuries is a great stat to start the season with. 

“When you think about us going three-a-days, you’d almost assume somebody would have something. But nobody’s on the table. If we had to do a meeting with the team right now, we’re ready to go. What we’ve built out here is really special. We have trainers, doctors, recovery specialists, pool resources, and all the things to try and help keep these guys healthy.”