University of Houston Athletics
Football Begins 2009 Season with First Workout on Friday
8/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON - The University of Houston Football team began preparations for the 2009 season Friday with a busy day at the Athletics/Alumni Center.
After arriving on campus Thursday afternoon, Cougar players and coaches met at the facility early Friday to take individual and position photos and video headshots as part of Media Day activities. Around lunch time, second-year head coach Kevin Sumlin and selected players met with media members and answered questions during a press luncheon.
After position meetings in the early afternoon, the Cougars hit the field for the first time around 5:30 p.m., in shirts and shorts. Although they took part in a full two-hour workout, players won't compete in full pads until Wednesday afternoon.
NCAA rules require a gradual increase to pads and full contact during the first five days as players become acclimated to the hot weather.
Following the workout, Sumlin said he was pleased with his team's performance during the first day.
"There was a lot of enthusiasm and bounce, and there always is the first day. I was happy with our enthusiasm on defense," Sumlin said. "We had guys running to the ball and saw some young players that got in the mix today in the secondary and up front.
Toward the end of the workout, the Cougars competed in a 30-minute team session, an important period for a young team early in training camp.
"Guys are getting used to playing football in a team setting and not just drills," Sumlin said. "That's going to be important for our young players."
TICKETS
Season tickets, mini-plans and single-game tickets (excluding the Texas Tech game on Sept. 26) are on sale now. Season ticket prices begin at $120, while 3-game mini-plans are available for as low as $99.
Fans can order their tickets by calling 713-GO-COOGS or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office during regular business hours.
SEASON OPENER
The Cougars open the season at 4 p.m., Sept. 5, when they play host to Northwestern State on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. It will be the first of six regular-season home games for the Cougars this season.
Fans can hear the game live on 790 AM The Sports Animal with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action, David Klingler providing color analysis and Chuck Brown reporting from the sidelines. The pregame show is slated to begin one hour before kickoff.
FAN APPRECIATION DAY
Fans are invited to watch the team in action and meet coaches and players during Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, Aug. 15, on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.
The event begins with a scrimmage at 11:30 a.m. Fans are invited to the event, which will be free and open to the public. Gates open at 11 a.m., and fans should enter the facility on the Scott Street side.
Fans who pick up a ticket outside Gate 7 can redeem it at the Scott Street side concession stands for one free hot dog during the scrimmage. Other food and drinks will be available in those concession stands for regular prices.
Representatives from Cougar Authentic also will be on hand at Gate 7 to sell merchandise. Fans should note that this is a change from Cougar Authentic's regular location during home games but will be held there only during the scrimmage and will return to its usual spot for the remainder of the season.
Spirit groups, like Cougar Dolls, band and cheerleaders, also will be in attendance.
Following the 90-minute scrimmage, fans are invited to the Tailgate Village pavilions on the Scott Street side of Robertson Stadium. There, fans can get autographs from and take pictures with their favorite Cougar players and coaches. Director of athletics Mack Rhoades also will be in attendance. In addition, fans will be allowed to walk on John O'Quinn Field Robertson Stadium after the scrimmage to take pictures with family and friends.
NATIONAL MARROW DONOR REGISTRY DONATIONS
During the scrimmage, Cougar administrators also will be taking donations for the National Marrow Donor Registry at Gate 7. Later this month, Cougar football players, coaches and support staff members will give a swab of their cheek cells to Registry representatives so their tissue type can be tested.
Once the Cougar Football players, coaches and support staff members are in the Registry, their information will be quickly accessible if they need a bone marrow transplant in the future or if they match another patient in dire need.
Although the Registry is doing this service free of charge to the Football team, Cougar fans are asked to donate to help with this worthy cause.
