The large men in uniform rejoiced when coach Jim Fassel told them to line up for the post-practice sprints, then called off the exercise before it began. The appreciative players shouted their thanks.

"They've been working hard and they're in shape," Fassel said. "Running a fifth straight day with the way I've been working them, I saw no point in it. When I get happy about the way they're working I'll reward them.

"I didn't tell them ahead of time. I had to send them to the line and then tell them to come up (for Fassel's post-practice address). Otherwise they wouldn't have been quite so happy. You have to put their head in the guillotine before they really get appreciative."

Mike Barrow and Jessie Armstead elected to run on their own, the latter in full uniform.

Notes

• It was a huge day for Howard Cross, who left camp and returned in New Jersey in time to be in the delivery room when his wife, Pia, gave birth to twins. Cross arrived at the Hackensack Medical Center at 3:25 p.m. At 4:15, Howard, Jr. was born, weighing in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Seven minutes later, Isabella Cross made her debut at 6 pounds, 10 ounces.

• Five Giants took part in a "sweat strategy" experiment conducted by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). The five players - Sam Garnes, Dave Thomas, Emmanuel McDaniel, Lomas Brown and Keith Hamilton - were weighed before and after practice to measure their fluid loss. The fluid they consumed during practice was taken into account. Those players were selected because they've experienced cramping in the past.

  At the end of the afternoon workout, they were fitted with large plastic bags on one arm. The sweat from those bags was to be studied.

  "Four of the five players we weighed were lighter than they were before, so they're not replacing their fluids," said Craig Horswill, the principal scientist for GSSI. "(We want to learn) how we can do a better job replacing those fluids and staying hydrated to reduce the risk of fatigue on the field as well as cramps and heat stroke."

• Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin missed the afternoon practice with a slight groin strain. Fassel said he is day-to-day. Ryan Hale played left tackle with the first team.

• Amani Toomer caught a pinpoint pass from Kerry Collins for a touchdown in a red zone drill. A fan yelled "Toomer Time" as the receiver ran through the end zone. … Ron Dixon later caught a touchdown pass from Jason Garrett.

• The University at Albany Athletic Ticket Office reports that all tickets for Saturday's Scrimmage Day Barbecue have been sold. The barbecue is scheduled from 12:00-2:00 under a tent in the west end zone of University Field. Tickets were limited to 650 for the event.

  Tickets are still available for Saturday's Intrasquad Scrimmage at 2:00 p.m. The advance sale is 2,300 as of Monday, July 30. Contact the UAlbany Ticket Office at 518-442-3919.

• Fassel said he expects to run about 60 plays in the scrimmage.

Copyright New York Giants 2001