http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14258088p-15072603c.html
49ers insider: Nolan exhibits artificial intelligence
By Matthew Barrows -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Saturday, May 20, 2006
SANTA CLARA -- Since Mike Nolan took over the 49ers last season, he has lured several players from his most recent job in Baltimore. His latest import? The same synthetic practice field the Ravens use in Owings Mills, Md.
Nolan said one of his offseason priorities was installing an artificial-turf field at the team's Santa Clara practice facility. One reason for the addition, he said, is that two of the 49ers' division opponents -- the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks -- play on artificial fields. So do the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints, whom the 49ers visit this season.
A bigger factor, Nolan said, is winter rain, which makes practicing on grass treacherous, not only for his players but for the health of the fields themselves. The new field, which will be completed late next month, has an intricate drainage system to ensure it stays dry even in the wettest months.
"January in particular tends to get a lot of rain around here," Nolan said. "Hopefully, we're playing in January."
Like the Ravens' indoor practice field, the 49ers' new surface is made by Sportexe and is layered with sand and rubber to provide the cushion that the old artificial fields did not have. Nolan said there was no fear the new synthetic field would lead to more injuries.
"The old (turf) fields, yes, there was that concern. The new ones, no," he said. "They grab just like a grass field does."
Et cetera
•The team said it has no interest in 10-year veteran safety Jerome Woods, who was released by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the week. The front-runners for the 49ers' safety spots are Tony Parrish and Mike Adams, with Chad Williams, Keith Lewis and Ben Emanuel also vying for time.
•Nolan had the option of holding a second minicamp this spring but chose not to after more than 90 percent of the team participated in the offseason conditioning program earlier this year. The next formal practices will be held May 30 when the 49ers begin so-called "organized team activities."
•Adams, punter Andy Lee and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga were some of the players who took part in the annual Stars and Strikes bowling tournament last weekend. The event raised more than $1 million, which will be split between the San Jose Conservation Corps and the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, the team's community outreach program.
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com.
49ers insider: Nolan exhibits artificial intelligence
By Matthew Barrows -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Saturday, May 20, 2006
SANTA CLARA -- Since Mike Nolan took over the 49ers last season, he has lured several players from his most recent job in Baltimore. His latest import? The same synthetic practice field the Ravens use in Owings Mills, Md.
Nolan said one of his offseason priorities was installing an artificial-turf field at the team's Santa Clara practice facility. One reason for the addition, he said, is that two of the 49ers' division opponents -- the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks -- play on artificial fields. So do the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints, whom the 49ers visit this season.
A bigger factor, Nolan said, is winter rain, which makes practicing on grass treacherous, not only for his players but for the health of the fields themselves. The new field, which will be completed late next month, has an intricate drainage system to ensure it stays dry even in the wettest months.
"January in particular tends to get a lot of rain around here," Nolan said. "Hopefully, we're playing in January."
Like the Ravens' indoor practice field, the 49ers' new surface is made by Sportexe and is layered with sand and rubber to provide the cushion that the old artificial fields did not have. Nolan said there was no fear the new synthetic field would lead to more injuries.
"The old (turf) fields, yes, there was that concern. The new ones, no," he said. "They grab just like a grass field does."
Et cetera
•The team said it has no interest in 10-year veteran safety Jerome Woods, who was released by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the week. The front-runners for the 49ers' safety spots are Tony Parrish and Mike Adams, with Chad Williams, Keith Lewis and Ben Emanuel also vying for time.
•Nolan had the option of holding a second minicamp this spring but chose not to after more than 90 percent of the team participated in the offseason conditioning program earlier this year. The next formal practices will be held May 30 when the 49ers begin so-called "organized team activities."
•Adams, punter Andy Lee and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga were some of the players who took part in the annual Stars and Strikes bowling tournament last weekend. The event raised more than $1 million, which will be split between the San Jose Conservation Corps and the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, the team's community outreach program.
About the writer: The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com.
