|
Commodores Preparing For Preseason Camp 8/4/2003
Commodores Preparing For Preseason Camp
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Preseason camp for Head Coach Bobby Johnson and his Commodores will start Wednesday afternoon on the Vanderbilt campus. Nearly 100 prospective Commodore players are expected to report to campus Tuesday in preparation for the first of 29 practices leading up to the 2003 season opener against the Ole Miss Rebels in Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, August 30. Kickoff is 11:30 a.m. The squad’s first practice is scheduled Wednesday at 6:15 p.m., at the renovated John Rich Practice Complex behind McGugin Athletic Center. The team is scheduled to practice once daily through Sunday, August 10 when the university hosts its annual fan day, Dore Jam II. The first two-a-day practice starts next week. “I’m looking forward to getting the players together and getting to work,” Johnson said. “The guys really worked hard during our offseason conditioning program. I’m hoping to carry that momentum into the first practice and just work to get better each day.” The youthful Commodores return 12 starters from last year and are likely to open against Ole Miss with one of the SEC’s youngest squads. The preseason depth chart is loaded with underclassmen, with just one senior penciled in as a probable starter. The team’s captains include junior tackle Justin Geisinger and a pair of sophomores, quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive end Jovan Haye. The 2003 preseason will mark one significant difference for the entire team, due to new NCAA rules. For the first time in many years, the Commodores’ first practice will feature the entire squad. In the past, the opening preseason practices were limited to the team’s incoming freshmen. The first week of practice ends with Dore Jam II, which offers fans an opportunity to greet Coach Johnson and get autographs from team members. The free event also features free admission tickets to a future game (first 2,500 adults receive two complimentary tickets to the UT-Chattanooga contest on September 6) and numerous activities for kids, including inflatable games and interactive contests hosted by other additional Vanderbilt athletic teams. The event also features complimentary hot dogs and drinks provided by Coca-Cola to the first 2,500 fans. Star 97, a Nashville station, will provide music. For ticket info, phone 322-GOLD, 1-877-44-VANDY. Online orders are available at Vanderbilt Practice Schedule ? Tuesday, August 5 Squad Reports To Campus. ? Wednesday, August 6 First Practice (no pads) starts at 6:15 p.m. (Rich Practice Complex behind McGugin Center) ? Thursday, August 7 One Practice, scheduled at 6:15 p.m. (Rich Practice Complex) ? Friday, August 8 One Practice, scheduled at 6:15 p.m. (Rich Practice Complex) ? Saturday, August 9 One Practice, scheduled at 6:15 p.m. (Rich Practice Complex) ? Sunday, August 10 ? Dore Jam II One Practice, scheduled at 9:00 a.m. (Rich Practice Complex) Dore Jam II event for Commodore fans (4:00-6:00 p.m., Rich Practice Complex) |
