BUIES CREEK, N.C.— The Campbell University football program opened its 2008 fall practice on Tuesday, Aug. 5, conducting a two and half hour session at the CU Football Stadium.

The Camels started the afternoon with some conditioning work and field goal drills before breaking down for some individual drills and offensive and defensive situations. Campbell then got some light touch work in with the offense and defense working against each other on the tremendously warm afternoon, with temperatures on the AstroTurf/Gameday Grass reaching well into triple digits at one point. CU concluded the afternoon with sprints and additional individual position meetings. While not a perfect session, Head Coach Dale Steele was encouraged with the effort and the progress made by his returning players.

"I was pleased with the fact that veterans and returning players came back with a sense of intensity and focus," Steele stated. "It was really impressive that the returners did such a good job of picking up where we left off in the spring. The young players were naturally trying to adapt and learn and were playing on egg shells a little bit. They were doing a lot more thinking than just reacting and showing us their individual skill levels, but that is what is expected with freshmen. What we have to do as a coaching staff is find a way to accelerate the process and get the freshmen and newcomers to just relax and play to their athletic abilities."

Campbell returns to the field for their second workout of camp, practicing from 4:05- 6:20 p.m. Wed., Aug 6, going again in helmets and shorts.