EDMOND (Aug. 6) -- Defending Lone Star Conference North Division champion Central Oklahoma will begin preparing for the 2009 football season Thursday when the Bronchos hold their first practice.
Players reported to campus Wednesday for equipment check-out, physicals and meetings, with Thursday's opening practice scheduled for 4 p.m. in helmets and shorts. UCO will practice in shorts and helmets again Friday and then go in shorts and shoulder pads Saturday and Sunday before holding its first full-pad workout next Monday.
"Everybody came in excited about getting to work and we're ready to start," said second-year head coach Tracy Holland, whose team will hold a major intrasquad scrimmage at 6 p.m. Aug. 15. "There's a lot to be done in a short period of time and we need to come out every day focused on getting better."
The Bronchos have 13 starters and 19 other lettermen back from last year's team that won seven straight games to end the season in claiming the LSC North title.
UCO, ranked ninth in one preseason national poll, opens the season Aug. 29 at Pittsburg State. The Bronchos play their first three games on the road before hosting Tarleton State on Sept. 19.
