2011 Fall Camp has offically kicked off

The 2011 Linfield College Football Team met for the 1st time yesterday as incoming 'Cats started checking into their dorms at 9AM and met at the Stadium at 2 PM to start going through all the joys of filling out various forms, checking out equipment, physicals, etc, etc. At 3:30 new parents got together at Ice Auditorium in Melrose Hall for Orientation on what their sons could expect as a newly minted Linfield Wildcats. It's a big day for not only the new 'Cats but for parents too that have either sent their sons off to college or for those that make the trip to help send off their son for the 1st time. It's a big day for many reasons.

Once the players were finished with getting keys, checking out gear, filling out reams of paper, and getting poked, prodded, and some stranger asking you to turn your head and cough (only kidding, I have no idea if the old turn and cough was part of the physical) the organized chaos finally settled down as the 'Cats hosted their annual family dinner at the 'Catdome during the evening.

The Seniors did a great job on the spread on treating everyone to a great tasting roasted pig with all the trimmings. Before the mad dash to the food tables Coach Smith addressed the team and parents on what the program's philosophy and his expectations for year. The group was also addressed by Linfield College President Thomas Hellie. I enjoyed what President Hellie had to say as he discussed how Linfield football has been built on a foundation of character and you gained a sense that our President is both supportive and appreciative of how football program goes about their business. That's not a bad thing at all.

After dinner, the team broke down by position group to get further acquainted and that's when WC11 decided it was time to head home. I believed I missed the Senior skit where they usually poke fun at themselves and the coaching staff. Nobody is immune to taking some shrapnel.

So with Wednesday now in the books the real fun begins as the team tests Thursday morning and then hold their 1st official practice at 7 PM tonight. Be sure to check out the Ben Schorzman's article in the News-Register on the start of Fall Camp and some good quotes from Coach Smith. WC11 is looking forward to following Ben's coverage of the 'Cats this year.