Meet Miami U

Follow along with us in our Get Ready With Me Series, as we interview students about how they prepare for big events— like a sports game, a play, or a debate—during their academic careers!

Kicking off our Get Ready With Me Series, we interviewed Miami Football player and marketing major, Ambe’ Caldwell, to learn more about his experience and how the Miami University football team prepares for each game. Ambe’ started playing football in eighth grade. The joy he found in football as a child sparked desire and ambition to compete at the D1 college level. He is very grateful for his team, the connections he has made at Miami, and simply playing the game he loves.

Game Day Prep

For Ambe’, preparing for the upcoming Arizona Bowl game is no different than preparing for a game against any other team. Let’s walk through the week of a Miami football player.

• Sunday: The team begins the week by reviewing video from the previous game, to correct mistakes, and discussing strategies for the upcoming opponent. 
• Monday: Although it’s an off day, almost all players still come in to watch additional film.
• Tuesday to Thursday: The coaching staff develops a unique game plan based on the opponent, teach it to the players in position-group meetings that are a lot like classes, and practice both the game plan and fundamentals at practices which are either on the Yager Stadium game fiend or in the team’s indoor practice facility. 
• Friday: As the game draws near, a walkthrough is conducted to ensure that all players understand the overall game plan as well as their position’s responsibilities.
• Saturday morning: Final preparations take place with another walkthrough and more film review of the opponent.

When it’s game time, the RedHawks treat every opponent the same. They are always well prepared and motivated to give their all to win as a team.  

Ambe’s Pre-Game Rituals

During the week, Ambe’ finds extra time to watch even more game film with his roommate. Even when busy with studying or other obligations, they keep game film on in the background to help prepare for the upcoming opponent. 

On game days, Ambe’ has just one true necessity – a phone call with his grandfather. He does this because his grandfather always shares something wise that, somehow, Ambe’ needs to hear that particular day. After his phone call he is locked in and will listen to music up until it’s time to be on the field. 

Rally For The Team

The football players love when the stadium is full of fans, as well as knowing RedHawks fans are tuning in on TV or the radio from near and far. Football games at this level give the players an adrenaline rush they cannot experience anywhere else.. They play as hard as they possibly can, when in the game, and are engaged, even when on the sideline, to give fans excitement that they cannot take their eyes off. 

Even outside of playing and practice, players also hear Miami students talking about the upcoming game. The players love this as it gives them encouragement and excitement to play their best! 

Now that you know how our team prepares for each game, be sure to join in the excitement as our RedHawks take on Colorado State University during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice on Dec. 28!