Indiana University Athletics
Freshmen Check In for Training Camp
8/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - With the 2006 season opener less than one month away, the Indiana football freshmen checked into University Plaza Hotel to report for the second preseason camp under head coach Terry Hoeppner. Following two days of meetings and housekeeping, the Hoosiers will return to the field for its first practice on Monday, Aug. 7.
IU opens its campaign with the first of seven contests at "The Rock" against Western Michigan at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. The game will also serve as Youth Football Day. Youth football players, coaches and families may purchase tickets for $10 each, a $27 savings from the game day price of $37. The discount is available only on advance sales and not on game day purchases. For Indiana football ticket information, please call the IU Athletic Ticket Office at 866-IUSPORTS.
After checking in and meeting with academic advisors, wide receiver Ray Fisher, quarterback Ben Chappell, offensive linemen Cody Faulkner and Jarrod Smith, and defensive back Adrian Burks sat down to talk with IUHOOSIERS.com about camp and the upcoming season. Below is a look at what the quintet had to say.
On the arrival of training camp:
RF: "I'm really excited to get into camp and start playing again. After missing most of last season, I have a lot of catching up to do and plan to starting Monday."
BC: "I'm ready to go. I've been looking forward to this all summer, and I'm really anxious to get started."
CF: "I can't wait to hit the field. My high school (Hamilton Heights) had two-a-days this week and everyday I watched I couldn't wait to get back on the field."
JS: "I'm very excited to be here. I've been here over the summer, and I'm very excited for the intensity to step up a notch."
AB: "I'm really excited and can't wait to play football. I want camp to get started. I drove by "The Rock" and was amazed. I pictured playing in front of huge crowds and can't wait to get that opportunity."
On head coach Terry Hoeppner:
RF: "Coach Hep is a great guy. He stayed with me despite me not playing all of last season, and I am thankful to him for that. I can't wait to get on the field and pay him back."
BC: "He is awesome. I'm so excited to play for him and can't wait to get on the field with him."
CF: "Coach Hep is a great guy and is very excited to get back. Hopefully that will carry over to the whole team, and we can get off to a great start."
JS: "I can't wait to see what he is like on the field. I've seen him in the office and on the sidelines from a distance, but I can't wait to see what it is like to play for him."
AB: "Coach Hep is a great guy. He is turning this program around and has brought in some great recruits."
On meeting new teammates:
RF: "I met a lot of guys already, but I can't wait to meet the rest of the guys and have a lot of fun."
BC: "A lot of the guys have been in this summer, so I've met a lot of them. I'm definitely ready to hang out with them and get to know them better."
JS: "The guys I met this summer seem great, and I can't wait to meet the rest of the guys."
On the 2006 campaign:
RF: "We are playing for the seniors. I'm going to go out and play for the seniors. Hopefully we can get to a bowl game."
BC: "I just want to go out there and do what I can do. I'll play my game and do everything I can to help this team make a bowl.
CF: "We will strive for a bowl game this season. I think if we all have the same goal we can achieve that."
JS: "We want to go to a bowl game and restore the football tradition. We have seven games at "The Rock" and if we take care of business at home, we will achieve our goal."
