Aug. 17, 2007
KENOSHA, Wis. -- Week one of Camp Kenosha 2007 is in the books.
Now it's time to play some football. On Saturday the Wildcats will take to the field at Carthage College for a 3 p.m. scrimmage. Admission is free.
Friday was a picture-perfect day in Kenosha, with blue skies, cool breezes and low humidity. After a two-hour morning practice in shells, the Wildcats held a walk-through inside the UW-Parkside Sports Complex for an hour in the evening, going over Saturday's setup.
"Tomorrow we'll really be looking for guys who are right on the cusp of becoming starters, to get as many reps as they can," head coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "Guys that we know a lot about will probably get between 10 and 15 snaps. Our goal is to get between 80 and 100 plays and get a good look at some young guys on special teams."
With preseason camp more than halfway over, Fitzgerald said he's pleased overall with where his football team is, both physically and mentally.
"I thought after the off day last week that we started Monday a little slow," added Fitzgerald. "But I really feel encouraged with the ownership and the leadership that is taking place right now. We've had three-straight days of the best practices we've had since I've been here in Kenosha. Our attitude is tremendous and now we need to have a good day of execution tomorrow. We know that it probably won't be perfect, but it's a chance for us to get better."
Fans can arrive early to receive Wildcat goodies and enter to win tickets to NU home games this season. You can also stick around after the game to meet the team and talk with Fitzgerald. For more information e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
CAMP NOTES: Saturday's forecast calls for some fall-like weather -- temps in the upper-60s with partly cloudy conditions and a chance of showers in the morning. Bring your umbrella and sweatshirts! ... Fans can also purchase the 2007 NU football media guide online or at Saturday's scrimmage. Guides are being sold for $10 at the scrimmage or Meet the Team Night (Aug. 25). If you purchase a guide online, or through NU's ticket office, a $5 shipping fee is added.