University of Houston Athletics
Dimel, Cougars Set for the Opening of Camp
8/5/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2002
As the summer heat intensifies so does the eagerness of University of Houston head football coach Dana Dimel, for 28 new faces await Dimel and his staff tomorrow as the first day of 2002 football camp begins. August 6 has been a date Dimel has circled on the calendar for months, wanting the new, upcoming season to officially arrive and in doing so, erasing the memories of the 2001 campaign.
At 8 a.m. tomorrow morning the 28 newcomers arrive at the Athletics/Alumni Center, where they'll spend the day receiving equipment and physicals and checking into their housing on campus. After a productive off-season, Dimel is excited about the arrival of August 6.
"I am really looking forward to these 28 guys arriving tomorrow," said the third-year coach. "I'm even more excited about seeing these guys practice on Wednesday.
"We've had a great off season, and the returning guys have built a foundation of leadership and unity. Because there is a solid foundation of leadership and unity, a lot of these young players can come in and play for us right away because there is a better supporting cast.
"(The newcomers) will be on top of the foundation, not just sinking into it."
The newcomers consist of 13 players on each side of the ball, plus two kickers. The majority of the new faces are the crux of the 2002 Signing Class with a few walk-ons sprinkled in. Expected in tomorrow are local defensive standouts Willie Gaston (CB), defensive linemen Matthew Bentley, L.C. Kirkpatrick, Gerard Richard and Josh Szepieniec and linebacker Lance Everson, a 2001 signee.
The offensive players include quarterback Shang Moore, running back Jackie Battle and wide receiver Chad McCullar. Kicker Justin Laird highlights the special teams.
As mentioned, the newcomers will hit the practice field for the first time on Wednesday, beginning at 9:20 a.m. on the UH practice fields. The 28 players will return to the field later the afternoon at 4 p.m., as two-a-days officially begin.
The veteran returnees are expected into camp on Friday, August 9, with the full squad practicing on Saturday afternoon.
-UHcougars.com-
