TicketsAug. 12, 2010
Coach Bajakian Interview | Collaros Diary (Cincinnati.com)
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati football team closed out its fourth workout of preseason camp Thursday, practicing for over two hours in the sweltering Cincinnati heat.
The team worked out in helmets and shells for a little over two hours under sunny, humid skies. It was UC's fourth of five NCAA-mandated acclimatization days.
The intensity was amped up Thursday as the team was placed in a number of competitive situations, including some one-on-one drills at the end of practice. The matchups featured offensive linemen trying to prevent defensive linemen from reaching the quarterback, running backs blocking out linebackers, and wide receivers against defensive backs.
"In everything we do, we want to compete," head coach Butch Jones said. "We have some extremely competitive individuals, so we like as coaches to put them in competitive situations like you saw at the end of practice. But it's also being smart. A lot of it is some good teaching, some discipline things."
O. CHEATHAM EARNS SCHOLARSHIP
Senior walk-on Obadiah Cheatham was honored at Wednesday night's team meeting as head coach Butch Jones announced he would be placed on scholarship for the 2010 season.
"I think it's a pretty special thing," Jones said. "Obadiah is a Cincinnati kid who has paid his dues over the years. He's been consistent in the effort and attitude he brings to practice each and every day and this is a great reward. We will continue to award our walk-ons a scholarship when they earn them"
Cheatham, a linebacker, is the fourth former walk-on playing in 2010 to earn a scholarship. He joins Jason Kelce, Collin McCafferty, and Wesley Richardson on that list.
THE POST-PRACTICE HAND SHAKE
One thing observers at practice would notice is that when the final horn is blown, before Coach Jones addresses the team, the offense and defense line up at the 50-yard line and shake hands.
"We do a lot of competitive things in practice," Jones said. "But when that last horn blows, we shake hands and when we walk on the field, it stays there."
STEWART NAMED BEST HYBRID BIG EAST DEFENDER
ESPN.com's Brian Bennett named UC sophomore Walter Stewart as the best hybrid defender in the BIG EAST Conference. Stewart, who played both defensive end and outside linebacker for UC a year ago, finished the season with 59 tackles, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.
OFF TO HIGHER GROUND
Following practice at Nippert Stadium today, the Bearcats moved their entire camp operation 27 miles to the west, to spend the next two weeks at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind. UC is scheduled to return to campus on the morning of Aug. 26. All practices at Higher Ground are closed to the general public.
KINGS ISLAND MEET THE TEAM EVENT ON SUNDAY, AUG. 22 FROM 1-3 P.M.
On Sunday, Aug. 22, head coach Butch Jones and the two-time defending BIG EAST Champions will make the trek to Kings Island for their annual "Meet the Team Day." Beginning at 12:45 pm, the team will walk down International Street and will take part in a program on the main stage underneath the Eiffel Tower. Following the short program, student-athletes will take part in an autograph session until 3 p.m.
UC fans looking to attend the "Meet the Team" Days at Kings Island can purchase discounted tickets for $29.99 ($20 off the regular price) on the Kings Island website. NOTE: Discounted tickets must be purchased online prior to the day of the event.
The Bearcats open the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Fresno State. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN2. UC will open the home schedule on Sept. 11 against Indiana State at noon inside Nippert Stadium. Call 1-877-CATS-TIX or visit CATSTIX.com to reserve your season tickets today.