July 21, 2010

Corvallis, Ore. -

The Oregon State University football team returns to action Mon., Aug. 9 for the first official day of practice for the 2010 season.  The Beavers, projected to be a top 25 ranked team when the season opens Sept. 4 vs. TCU, enter the year aiming for their fifth consecutive bowl game and 10th in the last 12 years.

            The season is one of the most anticipated in years and “Beaver Nation” has responded by purchasing a school record 26,700 season tickets as of July 21. The 2010 team features Heisman Trophy candidate running back Jacquizz Rodgers, Lombardi, Nagurski, Outland and Lott Trophy candidate defensive tackle Stephen Paea, Biletnikoff Award candidate wide receiver James Rodgers and Rimington Award candidate center Alex Linnenkohl.  Tenth-year head coach Mike Riley also has the opportunity to become the school’s all-time winningest football coach this season.

The first five days of practice are an NCAA mandated "acclimation period." The acclimation period was put into effect by the NCAA in 2004 with the intent to lessen injuries and heat-related illnesses. The period is free of multi-practice days that were common in college football prior to the recent legislation.  Student-athletes will practice without pads until days three and four, and will first be in full gear Fri., Aug. 13.

            The first "two-a-day" is Sat., Aug. 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. and then again at 6:30 p.m.  The OSU coaching staff tentatively has set game officials to be present Aug. 21 and Aug. 28.  In addition, the team will participate in several popular "team building" activities, including rock/paper/scissors, sumo wrestling, bowling, pool and swimming competitions.  Several guest speakers will also visit campus during the month.
 

            Practices are open to the public and generally are held at the Tommy Prothro Football Complex between the Sports Performance Center and the Truax Indoor Center.  The second practice of a double-day is located in Reser Stadium.

2010 Preseason Practice (subject to change)

Aug. 9 (helmets/no pads), 2 p.m.

Aug. 10 (helmets/no pads), 2 p.m.

Aug. 11 (helmets/shoulder pads), 2 p.m.

Aug. 12 (helmets/shoulder pads), 2 p.m.

Aug. 13 (full gear), 2 p.m.

Aug. 14 (full gear), 8:30 a.m./6:30 p.m. (helmets/shoulder pads)

Aug. 15 No practice

Aug. 16 (full gear), 8:30 a.m./6:30 p.m. (helmets/shoulder pads)

Aug. 17 (full gear), 2 p.m.

Aug. 18 (full gear), 8:30 a.m./6:30 p.m. (helmets/shoulder pads)

Aug. 19 (full gear), 2 p.m. -- game officials

Aug. 20 (full gear), 8:30 a.m./6:30 p.m. (helmets/shoulder pads)

Aug. 21 (full gear), 2 p.m. 

Aug. 22 No practice

Aug. 23 (full gear), 8:30 a.m./6:30 p.m. (helmets/shoulder pads)

Aug. 24 (full gear), 2 p.m. -- game officials

Aug. 25 (full gear), 8:30 a.m./6:30 p.m. (helmets/shoulder pads)

Aug. 26 (full gear), 2 p.m.

Aug. 27 (full gear), 2 p.m.

Aug. 28 (full gear), 2 p.m.

Aug. 29 No practice

Aug. 30 (full gear), 3 p.m.

Aug. 31 (full gear), 3 p.m.

Support Oregon State University Athletics by making your tax deductible donation to the Beaver Athletic Student Fund. For more information follow this link or call 541-737-2370. You can make an "everyday champion."  Follow Beaver Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. To purchase tickets click here.