Nassau, Bahamas – The Toledo Rockets completed a morning practice on Tuesday, their first of three sessions in preparation for their game against FIU at the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl on Friday (12:30 p.m./ESPN).

      The Rockets had a 90-minute workout at Davies Field in Nassau, a turf soccer field not far from Robinson Stadium, where UT will battle the Golden Panthers on Friday. In the afternoon, most players enjoyed some free time at the beach while the captain took part in an up-close dolphin experience. In the early evening, the Rockets joined their opponents from FIU in a beach party on Atlantis Beach on the Caribbean Sea. The players enjoyed a cook-out, games and a highly spirited team dance-off.

      Toledo will practice again tomorrow morning and again on Thursday. Selected players will visit the Ranfurly Homes for Children and a youth football clinic on Wednesday. On Thursday, the Toledo cheerleaders and band will lead a team pep rally.

Toledo quotes from day two at the Bahamas Bowl
 
Head Coach Jason Candle
"This is a beautiful place. The Atlantis is second to none when it comes to facilities. The hospitality has been great, everybody we've interacted with has taken great care of us. We're very fortunate and very lucky to be here."
 
"Obviously the extra practice time is huge for the growth and development of our younger players, but at the same time we want to send our senior class out the right way with a victory. When these guys go home over break and talk to their family and friends about their bowl trip, we want them to be able to talk about a positive experience, and that includes a win on Friday."
 
Senior defensive end Tuzar Skipper
"We're just focused on getting better and perfecting our craft, doing whatever we can do to win this game on Friday. We're not on vacation; this is a business trip. We want to go out with a victory."
 
Junior Center Bryce Harris
"The first practice was hot, but it was fun being out here in the heat. We've been practicing in Fetterman for all of our bowl practices, so being able to get outside and have a practice felt good."
 
On his impressions of the Bahamas
"One word – beautiful. Just beautiful. A nice breeze, sunny weather all the time and good water, so it's great. The Atlantis resort is top notch – top of the line. It's really nice to get away and be able to see the fish, and everything has been beautiful."