TicketsAug. 26, 2010
WEST HARRISON, Ind. - The University of Cincinnati football team wrapped up its two week stay at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind. with a final morning workout Wednesday.
"It was an extremely productive camp," head coach Butch Jones said. "It was a great environment out here. A great learning opportunity for our football team, both on and off the field. I think the team is ready to get back to their own beds, get back to Cincinnati, and get ready to break in the Jefferson Avenue Sports Complex."
The Bearcats wrapped up their 17th practice Wednesday with a two-hour workout under sunny skies at Higher Ground. The workout featured extensive situational work with the coaching staff putting the Bearcats through every concieveable football situation. There were 26 game-like simulations, such as kickoff return, onside kicks, fourth downs and even one that involved starting quarterback Zach Collaros going down with an apparent knee injury.
"No stone unturned," Jones said. "We can't assume anything, throughout the course of the season there are a lot of bizarre things that happen and we try to practice them to at least have some familiarity for your players."
Jones was very happy with the teams experience at Higher Ground and indicated that the team will continue to return there in the future. Higher Ground has served as UC's preseason training facility since 1999. Special thanks to Chuck, Brenda, and all the people at Higher Ground who made UC's stay out there first class.
Following practice and team meetings Wednesday night, the Bearcats will break camp Thursday morning and return to the UC campus. Before getting a few days off prior to starting game week activities on Sunday, UC will participate in the Beanie Bowl Thursday at Nippert Stadium. The team will dress in full uniform and take part in a complete gameday walk through so nothing is unfamiliar when UC takes the field against Fresno State.
The Bearcats were featured in USA Today Wednesday, as college football writer Kelly Whiteside previewed the UC season with a focus on Jones and Collaros. Read the story HERE.
Scott Springer offers his take on UC specialists Pat O'Donnell and Jacob Rogers. Check it out HERE.
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.