The Pittsburg State University football team will open its 2009 preseason camp this week.
Newcomers will report Wednesday morning, Aug. 5, with the veterans returning to campus Wednesday evening. The Gorillas’ first practice will take place Thursday, Aug. 6.
PSU head coach Chuck Broyles will welcome approximately 100 players into the fall camp. The Gorillas return 11 starters (three offense, eight defense) from last year’s squad which posted an 11-2 record, advanced to the second-round of the NCAA Division II and finished the season ranked No. 8 in the final AFCA Top 25 poll.
“This always is an exciting time of the year to get the preseason underway,” said Broyles. “Our returning players and coaching staff all look forward to getting back on the field and opening fall camp, and I’m sure our incoming players all are eager to come in and learn what Gorilla football is all about.”
Due to NCAA regulations, Pitt State will undergo a five-day acclimatization period from Thursday, Aug. 6, through Monday, Aug. 10. The Gorillas will practice once daily — in helmets only the first two days, in helmets and shoulder pads on days three and four, and finally in full pads on the fifth day of the acclimatization period.
After the five-day period, a team cannot have consecutive days of multiple on-field practice sessions.
Therefore, Pitt State will conduct its first two-a-day practice session Tuesday, Aug. 11, and the Gorillas will alternate their daily practice schedule accordingly thereafter. Tuesday’s evening practice session will feature the “Gorilla Drill” followed by 3-on-3 drills.
