TicketsAug. 3, 2007
CINCINNATI-- After spending the last 48 hours reporting to campus, moving into residence halls, completing paperwork, and going through orientation meetings, the squad looked excited to finally reach the field. UC's first practice of the season carried a brisk pace and the coaching staff appeared pleased with what it saw on Day One.
"The players should be pumped up," said head coach Brian Kelly. "Our sports medicine staff told us we had the best opening day in five years."
With sunny skies and heat rising off of the FieldTurf at Nippert Stadium, the Bearcats completed their work in less than the scheduled two hours for practice.
Kelly added, "Paul Longo did a great job working with our players in the summer strength training and conditioning program. The preparation in the weight room enhances our work volume on the field. We handed off the players to him after spring practices and he passed the baton back to the coaching staff with the group in better condition than when we last saw them. This is one component for what it takes to be a championship football team"
The Bearcats return to the Nippert Stadium tomorrow for their second workout of the preseason. Practice gets underway at 3:05 p.m.