CHARLESTON, SC — Although this was only the first day of practice, one could tell the National team was quickly beginning to mesh.

The National team took The Citadel’s Willson Field for the first time as they prepare for the 2nd Annual Medal of Honor Bowl Game that will be held on Saturday. The team is under the guidance of Chan Gailey, the former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

The National team exhibited friendly competition as they practiced in shorts without helmets and pads.

Offensive lineman Kendall Lamm from Appalachian State was happy to return to the practice field after a “long wait from late November.”

Safety Keenan Lambert from Norfolk State was the playmaker of Monday’s practice with two interceptions. Also, Malcome Kennedy from Texas A&M had approximately 150 NFL scouts in awe with a great, one-handed touchdown catch.

After Monday’s initial practice, Coach Gailey was ecstatic with his team’s performance, especially compared to last year.

“Today was a much better first day than last year,” said Gailey, who guided the National team in the bowl’s inaugural year. “The team’s talent, execution and retention from meetings was very good for a first day of practice,” he added.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised live nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www. MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647).  One lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter: @MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl