Drills Begins with 102 Players

August 7, 2009

WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Summer fun is over. Not that Southwestern Oklahoma State University football players had much of a vacation, with voluntary team workouts throughout the offseason without coaching supervision.

Now the Bulldog coaches get to watch up close as the first day of fall practice began on Thursday . Camp opened Wednesday, when players reported for meetings and physical examinations. People can expect a lot of yelling, whistle blowing, and perhaps some excitable situations as the Bulldogs build toward the Aug. 27 season opener at Emporia State.

"It's going to be an intense camp," new head coach Dan Cocannouer said. "We have a big season ahead and it starts here today. We have so many new players and a number of new coaches that it is important for us to get on the same page as quickly as possible."

Cocannouer and his staff welcomed 102 players into practice. The Bulldogs will practice once daily until Tuesday, Aug. 11 ^{as part of the NCAA acclimatization process.}

The first practice in full pads will be Monday, Aug. 10. Two-a-day practices will begin on the following day. NCAA rules instituted in 2003 prohibit two practices on back-to-back days.

On Sunday, Aug. 9, the Bulldogs will hold their annual photo day from 1 to p.m. on the game field at Milam Stadium. The public is invited at this time to take pictures of the Bulldogs in their new contemporary-styled uniforms.

All practices are open to the public.