Kats complete first week of preseason camp
8/1/2014 4:41:00 PM | Football
Five practices into 2014 preseason football camp, head coach K. C. Keeler believes his first Sam Houston team is making progress as they prepare for their August 23 opener at Eastern Washington.
“Overall, it's been a positive week,” Keeler said. “Our goal is to get better every single practice. We want to see constant improvement.”
The players will step away from the practice field for a day Saturday but look to up the intensity Sunday morning as they put on full pads and begin to hit in earnest. Monday morning the Bearkats have their first of three game-condition scrimmages scheduled.
“We set out to practice efficiently,” Keeler said. “Everything is planned out and choreographed. Our conditioning is on the field and we get lots of reps in a short time. We've gotten a lot of good fundamental work and special teams practice.”
Ninety-five players are vying for spots on the 65-player traveling squad that will travel to Cheney, Washington, for the FCS Kickoff Classic August 23. The game, to be telecast nationally on ESPN, will be the opening contest for college football in 2014.
“We started laying down the ground work for the Eastern Washington game the day the players reported Sunday,” Keeler said. “The first three days of camp we were the only college team in the country practicing. ESPN has chosen us to play the number one team in the nation. That is a huge opportunity for us.”
Keeler is confident about the Bearkats' talent level.
“We've been emphasizing to the kids that if we play clean, we have a chance to win some ball games,” Keeler said. “This team will not lose games because of talent. I'm not saying we're more talented than everyone we'll play. But it's not going to be a talent issue. It's going to be about how we come together as a team. We have to eliminate mistakes. We have to have great leadership and be willing to make those sacrifices that help us become successful as a group.”
Sam Houston preseason camp continues through August 18.
Season tickets for SHSU's five home football games at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium plus the “Battle of the Piney Woods” with SFA at NRG Stadium Nov. 1 are on sale now online at www.gobearkats.com and at the SHSU ticket office.
A special "Season Ticket Holder Pick-Up Party" will be held at Bowers on Saturday August 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Bearkat fans who already have ordered their season seats are invited to the event which will feature a complimentary breakfast in the Bearkat Lounge while watching the football team scrimmage.
Attendees may pick up their season tickets and their "Orange Out" t-shirt as well.
Reserved chair back season tickets are $250. The price includes midfield sideline tickets to the “Battle of the Piney Woods” at Reliant Stadium, one complimentary parking pass at Bowers Stadium, a $100 tax deductible donation to the Bearkat Champions Fund that helps support scholarships for student-athletes and a 2014 premium gift item.
Bleacher reserved season tickets are $100. The price includes lower corner tickets to the “Battle of the Piney Woods” and a 2014 premium gift item.
All season ticket holders earn priority points and access to exclusive events and priority towards purchasing tickets to premium away games, NCAA playoff contests and National Championship events.
Sam Houston athletic ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
