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Football Breaks Training Camp Saturday, Returns To Campus From Higher Ground
The University of Cincinnati football team held a two-hour, forty-five minute practice Saturday at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind., closing out the preliminary portion of fall training camp.
The early portion of Saturday's practice featured special teams, 7-on-7, and various other individual and team work.
The team closed out practice by working through various situational drills, covering a number of game situations. The final periods featured the third-team offense and defense in a brief scrimmage.
Following the workout, the team checked out of their rooms, packed up, and returned to campus. The Bearcats will be off Sunday, before coming back Monday to begin final preparations for the 2009 season opener at Rutgers on Monday, Sept. 7 in Piscataway, N.J.
Senior quarterback Tony Pike closed out his sixth trip to Higher Ground, most among active players. Among the staff, Asst. AD/Football Operations John Widecan has made every trip to Higher Ground over the past 10 seasons.
Inside Bearcats Football 2009, a 30-minute preview show on FOX Sports Ohio, is set to air on Monday, Aug. 31. The complete schedule is pasted below.
- Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
For the final training camp video, GoBEARCATS.com offers a look at the best and worst of the 2009 post practice training camp videos. It's time for the outtakes.
 2009 Training Camp Outtakes
A special thanks to Chuck, Brenda, and the staff and volunteers at the Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center. GoBEARCATS.com looks forward to providing the same in-depth coverage through the rest of the 2009 football season.
Friday, August 27
The University of Cincinnati football team held a 90-minute workout Friday, under sunny and cloudy skies at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
The team continued to work on various special teams units, while finding time to continue the installation of the team's offensive and defensive sets.
With the last practice at Higher Ground set for Saturday, head coach Brian Kelly is pleased with his team's work effort and direction heading into Rutgers gameweek.
"We had a lot of question marks," Kelly said. We had some players that we thought could be BIG EAST calibre but we really didn't know until we got the pads on and started to compete. Now, we can see that we've got some pretty good depth based on the last couple of weeks."
Inside Bearcats Football 2009, a 30-minute preview show on FOX Sports Ohio, is set to air on Monday, Aug. 31. The complete schedule is pasted below.
- Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jeff Quinn is on the hot seat for Friday's post-practice interview.
Jeff Quinn Interview
Thursday, August 26
The University of Cincinnati football team held a two-hour workout Thursday, at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
The Bearcats had originally be scheduled for a pair of practices, but head coach Brian Kelly called off the afternoon session, giving the players some time off leading into their last two days at Higher Ground.
One of the ongoing training camp battles has been between Chazz Anderson and Zach Collaros for the backup quarterback slot. Both have taken turns running the first-team offense this week as head coach Brian Kelly dials back starter Tony Pike's workload.
"For Tony, he's got such a great knowledge of the offense," Kelly said. "We know who our No. 1 is. It's good to get the No. 2 and the No. 3 quarterback work with the No. 1 offensive line and receivers. That's kind of what we've focused on the last two practices. We focused on Zach and Chazz getting work with the No 1's."
Inside Bearcats Football 2009, a 30-minute preview show on FOX Sports Ohio, is set to air on Monday, Aug. 31. The complete schedule is pasted below.
- Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Equipment manager Barry Boyd is today's post-practice interview. Boyd explains what a loop is, and also discusses UC's practice jerseys and game uniforms, both made by adidas.
Barry Boyd Interview
Wednesday, August 25
After a morning weightlifting session, the University of Cincinnati football team held a two-hour afternoon workout Wednesday at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
Following practice, the team ran a series of gassers. Head coach Brian Kelly made that the subject of his post-practice diary with the Cincinnati Enquirer. Click HERE to view the story.
Running backs coach Tim Hinton has Wednesday's post-practice interview.
Tim Hinton Interview
Head coach Brian Kelly appeared on Rivals Radio with Bill King Wednesday morning. Listen to the interview HERE.
Tuesday, August 24
The University of Cincinnati football team held its fourth two-a-day practice session Tuesday, continuing its preparations for the 2009 opener on Sept. 7 at Rutgers during preseason camp at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
The Bearcats were at it for a total of four hours Tuesday, enjoying solid weather under sunny skies. Head coach Brian Kelly termed the day as 'very solid'.
For the third straight year, Kelly is penning a training camp diary for the Cincinnati Enquirer. His Monday entry on voting in the 2009 USA Today Coaches Poll gained some national attention Tuesday afternoon. Click HERE to learn more.
Outside linebackers coach William Inge has an update on the Bearcats' linebacking corps as part of Tuesday's post-practice interview.
William Inge Interview
Monday, August 24
The University of Cincinnati football team held one practice Monday, opening up its third week of preseason camp at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
The two-hour workout featured several periods of special teams work, as well as goal line and situational yardage work. With the season opener at Rutgers now two weeks away, the Bearcats will soon turn their focus to game-week preparations
"There's definitely some movement in the positions," head coach Brian Kelly said. "If a guy is making us notice him, we need to be able to reward him as well. This week is about guys starting to see the reps, whether they deserve them or whether they need to get them cut back. There's definitely that competitive situation between, 'Are you getting all the first team reps or are you getting second team and third team reps. The second element in that is consistency and performance. We're looking for guys that are going to be our front line guys to be more consistent."
The head coach chatted with GoBEARCATS.com following practice for his weekly camp update. View the interview by clicking below.
Brian Kelly Interview
GoBEARCATS.com blogger Josh Katzowitz was at practice today, click HERE to see a report on the activities he saw.
In the afternoon, following meetings, lifting, and conditioning, the team took group photos that were rained out during media day last week.
ESPN.com's Brian Bennet has UC's signal callers, Chazz Anderson, Collaros, Brendon Kay, Tony Pike, and Demetrius Richardson atop his list of the best quarterback group in the BIG EAST. See his full post HERE.
The Bearcats will be back at it in the morning, with two workouts scheduled at Higher Ground for Tuesday.
Sunday, August 23
The University of Cincinnati football team took a break from training to camp Sunday to celebrate Meet The Team Day under partly cloudy skies at King's Island.
The Bearcats paraded down International Street with head coach Brian Kelly addressing the crowd on stage near the famous Eiffel Tower. The UC Pep Band, cheerleaders, dance team and the Bearcat helped lead a pep rally for UC fans in attendance.
UC players and coaches took part in an autograph session with fans and distributed posters, schedule cards and magnets and ticket materials for the upcoming campaign.
Following the autograph sessions, student-athletes, coaches and staff enjoyed the rides in the park before returning to the Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center Sunday evening.
Take a look at GoBEARCATS.com's twitter page HERE for photos from Sunday's event.
UC returns to the practice fields at Higher Ground Monday at 9 a.m. as the Bearcats open week three of training camp with the season opener at Rutgers two weeks from tomorrow on Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. on ESPN.
Saturday, August 22
The University of Cincinnati football team held a single workout Saturday, on family day at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
Families of players, coaches, and support staff watched the two-hour practice and had dinner with the team.
The last hour of practice was a scrimmage that featured a heavy dose of the first-team running game, and a chance for the second and third-team to see some extended action.
"Our defense did a nice job against the run and we wanted to focus on that today," head coach Brian Kelly said. "We were probably 80-20 run to pass, especially with Tony (Pike) in there. We know Tony can throw the football. We wanted to really focus in on the running game and find out what it is we need to get better at."
Zach Collaros lofted a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jamar Howard, the lone offensive score of the day. Collaros set up the touchdown with a 37-yard heave to Charley Howard. Camerron Cheatham had a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Charley Molnar has an update on the wide receievers in today's post-practice report.
Charley Molnar Interview
On Sunday, Aug. 23, the football will hold a meet the team day event at King's Island. For more information on that event, click HERE.
Friday, August 21
The University of Cincinnati football team had its third two-a-day workout session Friday at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
The Bearcats practiced both in the morning and afternoon on the Higher Ground practice fields. The special teams unit had a major component in both workouts, along with individual position drills as well as situational team work.
Steve Wilson, an NFL Umpire (#29) since 1999, spoke to the team following practice. Wilson is also a motivational - conference speaker.
He spoke to the Bearcats about the importance of TLC. Teamwork, leadership, and commitment. Wilson has identified those traits as three of the most important things to get you to the next level, in the game of football and life.
Assistant head coach Mike Elston, who coaches the defensive line and special teams, was today's post-practice interview guest with GoBEARCATS.com.
Mike Elston Interview
Thursday, August 20
The University of Cincinnati football team held its annual media day Thursday at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
The team took lifted, took headshots and a team photo on the practice fields in the morning. During the team photo, rain started to fall, delaying position group photos until next week. For a peek at the team photo, click HERE.
Head Coach Brian Kelly addressed the media at 11 a.m. View the complete press conference HERE.
UC held a 24-period practice in the afternoon under sunny skies. Coach Kelly and the team welcomed UCATS' George Smith Society members as guests for the afternoon practice.
The Bearcats return to the field Friday with two practices on the schedule at Higher Ground.
Wednesday, August 19
The University of Cincinnati football team worked through a pair of two-hour practices on a sunny, muggy day at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
Former letterwinner Richard Morgan (1962-64) was a special guest at practice. Morgan was the winner of an auction item to spend a day at Higher Ground with the football team. The auction took place following the annual Lettermen's Weekend Golf Outing during the spring. Morgan attended both practices, had lunch and dinner with the team, and sat in on a position group meeting and team meeting.
"It was a wonderful, fantastic experience," Morgan said. "Coach Kelly, his staff, and the entire team treated me like a king for the day."
When asked to point out how training camp differed from his experience in the 1960's, Morgan was quick to point out technology and the specialization of the game.
"Many years ago, when they took film of practice, it had to get it developed," Morgan said. "You were lucky to see it the next day. Now you have almost instant feedback with the video. The size of the game has increased also. Everyone has a specialty, and you have a great support staff surrounding you. There were times when we were only allowed to travel 35 players to road games."
Quarterbacks coach Greg Forest is today's post-practice interview as GoBEARCATS.com checks in on the progress of Tony Pike, Chazz Anderson, Zach Collaros, and Brendon Kay.
Greg Forest Interview
Tuesday, August 18
The University of Cincinnati football held a single workout Tuesday under sunny, sweltering skies at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind.
UC, working out in full pads, took to the practice fields in the afternoon and after getting in some early individual work, the Bearcats focused on some special teams work with punt, kickoff, and kickoff return the Tuesday focus. During 7-on-7 and 11-on-11, UC focused extensively on situational work using the down and distance markers.
Long snapper Mike Windt has today's post-practice interview. The GoBEARCATS.com special correspondant is joined by kicker Jacob Rogers and special teams coordinator Mike Elston. See below for the link.
Special Teams Interview
Quick Hits ...
- Prior to this afternoon's practice, the Bearcats posed for their video board headshots for the 2009 season. Be sure to check them out at Nippert Stadium this fall!
- FOX Sports Ohio was at Higher Ground Tuesday to record interviews with Coach Kelly and several members of the team for the 2009 preseason special that will air the week of Aug. 31. UC's Tom Gelehrter will serve as the program's host, and he provided a behind the scenes look today on his Twitter page. Click HERE to view.
- UC returns to the field Wednesday, with a pair of practices on tap at Higher Ground, the Bearcats second two-a-day session of fall camp.
- Tony Pike interviewed with Rivals Radio on Sirius/XM while at BIG EAST Media Day in Newport, R.I. Fans can hear that interview HERE.
- The BIG EAST Conference announced a four-year agreement Tuesday to send a league team to the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla. starting with the 2010 season.
- UC head coach Brian Kelly has joined the latest internet craze by creating his own twitter page. Follow Coach Kelly's tweets at www.twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly.
Monday, August 17
The University of Cincinnati football held a pair of two-hour practices Monday, its first two-a-day workout of the fall camp period. The team moved its camp base to West Harrison, Ind., the Bearcats 10th season at the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center.
The team worked out in full pads in the morning, and donned shoulder pads and helmets in the afternoon.
The Bearcats started off both practice sessions with special teams work, focusing on kick off return, and the field goal units. Later in the day, the team worked through position drills, before closing things out with periods of both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
UC will be back on the field Tuesday at Higher Ground for a single practice session.
Since arriving at Higher Ground Sunday, the team has been wearing red, white, and blue bracelets, in recognition of the team's support of Mitch Stone, the Cincinnati youth the Bearcats adopted through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. For more information on UC's adoption of Mitch Stone, click HERE.
On Sunday, Aug. 23, the football will hold a meet the team day event at King's Island. For more information on that event, click HERE.
UC also announced plans Tuesday for a season kickoff event at Dave & Buster's tri-county location for Monday, Aug. 31. For details, click HERE.
Brian Kelly Interview
Joining the Twitter Craze
UC head coach Brian Kelly has joined the latest internet craze by creating his own twitter page. Follow Coach Kelly's tweets at www.twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly.
Other tweeters at UC include: the UC football Cats In The Community Program, GoBEARCATS.com; blogger Josh Katzowitz, the women's soccer team, volleyball team, head volleyball coach Reed Sunahara, and head women's basketball coach Jamelle Elliott.
Saturday, August 15
For the first time since Bearcat Bowl III in April, the University of Cincinnati football team donned full pads and went full speed with contact completing its fifth preseason workout Saturday, and the team's final practice at Nippert Stadium before two weeks at Camp Higher Ground in Harrison, Ind.
After 20 periods of stretching, individual drills, and seven-on-seven work, Coach Kelly and his staff put the players through their paces in their first controlled scrimmage.
Coach Kelly continued to increase the tempo of the offense under senior quarterback Tony Pike. Pike responded with an almost flawless scrimmage. After missing his first pass attempt, Pike went on to complete his next 14 attempts and finished with 125 yards and a touchdown pass to junior wideout Armon Binns. Binns finished the 25-minute scrimmage with five receptions and 45 yards.
Sophomore quarterbacks Chazz Anderson and Zach Collaros, who are battling for the job of Pike's back-up, each showed they were capable as each threw for over 50 yards. Collaros showed his ability to make the big play when he hit junior transfer Jamar Howard on a 50-yard pass play.
Senior running back Jacob Ramsey racked up 47 yards rushing on five carries, including a 32-yard scamper for a touchdown toward the end.
The Bearcats take off tomorrow as they move to Higher Ground. Practices begin again Monday morning.
Joining the Twitter Craze
UC head coach Brian Kelly has joined the latest internet craze by creating his own twitter page. Follow Coach Kelly's tweets at www.twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly.
Other tweeters at UC include: the UC football Cats In The Community Program, GoBEARCATS.com; blogger Josh Katzowitz, the women's soccer team, volleyball team, head volleyball coach Reed Sunahara, and head women's basketball coach Jamelle Elliott.
Training Camp Week One Sights & Sounds
Friday, August 14
The University of Cincinnati football team had a two-hour practice in shoulder pads Friday at Nippert Stadium as the Bearcats moved closer to the end of the NCAA five-day acclimatization period.
During the workout, UC worked on tempo, a continuing theme for camp, as well extensive special teams work with the kickoff return, punt return, and field goal units all receiving attention.
Following some installation periods for the offense and defense, UC closed out the day with periods of both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.
UC will don full pads for the first time in 2009 on Saturday morning.
"I want to see us tackle" head coach Brian Kelly said. "There's a certain separation that occurs when you put on full gear. The first separation happened when we added shoulder pads, and the second will be full contact. I'm excited though, because we've got guys who know how to practice the right way.
Associate head coach/defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs talks about the UC secondary after four days of workouts in Friday's post-practice interview. Please click below to watch.
Kerry Coombs Interview
ESPN.com BIG EAST blogger Brian Bennett named his preseason all-BIG EAST team this morning. Three Bearcats, quarterback Tony Pike, wide receiver/kick returner Mardy Gilyard, and kicker Jake Rogers all earned spots. Gilyard was selected as both a wide receiver and kick returner. View the complete list HERE.
The football team's Cats In The Community program has a twitter page. Visit twitter.com/CincinnatiCITC for the latest updates on the Bearcats Football team's community service outreach into the Tri-State area.
Thursday, August 13
The University of Cincinnati football team held its third preseason practice Thursday at Nippert Stadium, holding a nearly three-hour workout under sunny skies.
UC's usual practices check in around two hours. Thursday's practice featured the same uptempo, high-pace work level that head coach Brian Kelly expects out of his team.
"Our work volume, relative to our ability to stay locked in at a high level, can now go past that two-hour window," Kelly said said. "I'm not going to make a habit of doing it, but during this acclimatization period, we extended it. We didn't feel like conditioning was a (question) of this football team. They're well conditioned, so let's get a little more football in."
View Coach Kelly's Complete Post-Practice Comments
GoBEARCATS.com blogger Josh Katzowitz was at practice Thursday. Read his practice report HERE. Katz also did an interview with Tom Gelehrter about his recently published book Bearcats Rising.
Josh Katzowitz Interview
The Ring Of Honor in Nippert Stadium has a new member. Former UC punter Kevin Huber, who will be honored during the 2009 season at a game to be determined, is the 14th former UC football student-athlete to have his name added to the ring. Huber, in his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals, was the first two-time First Team Associated Press All-America selection in school history.
Thursday's links of interest:
Wednesday, August 12
The University of Cincinnati football team wrapped up its second day of preseason practice with a two-hour workout in helmets under sunny warm skies at Nippert Stadium.
The Bearcats focused on tempo early in practice with the offense and defense working at opposite ends of the Nippert turf. The team also had several periods of special teams work, focusing on field goals and kickoffs.
There are three new faces on the coaching staff this fall. Lorenzo Guess (tight ends), Ernest Jones (Director of Player Services), staff associate and former UC letterwinner Mike Daniels. Guess and Jones are both in their second tour of duty on the Bearcats staff. Guess was an assistant with the strength and conditioning program, while Jones coached the running backs in 2007.
Guess Interview | Jones Interview
GoBEARCATS.com Special Guest Correspondent Jason Kelce has today's post-practice interview with fellow linemate Jeff Linkenbach. View the link below.
Jeff Linkenbach Interview
Tuesday, August 11
The University of Cincinnati football team began its quest to defend the 2008 BIG EAST Conference Championship with the opening of fall training camp.
 Following a morning conditioning workout, the Bearcats took the field at 3 p.m. for a brisk two-hour workout in helmets and shorts at Nippert Stadium.
The squad spent the early portion of practice loosening up and honing their skills in groups where they worked on the intricacies of their positions. The Bearcats spent several periods on special teams work installing the punting game plan.
UC was attired in brand-new adidas practice jerseys in red (quarterbacks), white (offense), and black (defense). Quarterback Tony Pike is pictured at left in the red jersey. The jerseys are made of adidas' Clima Lite material with three stripes running down the sides.
UC will return to the practice fields Wednesday with a single-workout scheduled as the Bearcats continue the NCAA acclimatization period.
Brian Kelly Post-Practice Interview
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