Official start of training camp brings clean slate and fresh hopes for new season
Burlington, Ont. – Training camp has arrived and the promise of a new Ontario University Athletics (OUA) football season has once again swept the province.
FOOTBALL | The defending Vanier Cup Champions are back on the turf at TD Stadium this week with the team's 2018 Training Camp kicking off this Friday: https://t.co/ySd4X0h34X pic.twitter.com/kUISHrGVq2
— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) August 8, 2018
Football -- @Marauderftbl opens training camp this weekend, welcoming rookies for testing Friday before main camp opens on Saturday. @McMasterU #GoMacGohttps://t.co/dsJDSaWZXp
— McMaster Athletics (@McMasterSports) August 10, 2018
On Friday, August 10, all 11 OUA schools hit the gridiron in preparation for the 2018 season. Both new and returning players will take to the field for the final stretch before game one, taking place in just over two weeks. But whether players are preparing for their first snap or their final season, the team goals remain the same and the first steps towards Yates Cup glory are officially underway.
Meetings have begun #RiseAsOne Gryphons have reported to Camp ? Practice starts tomorrow at 8 AM at Alumni Stadium pic.twitter.com/c4WezBlJNj
— Gryphon Football (@GryphonFootball) August 9, 2018
Testing is complete! First day of practice starts tomorrow.
— Gee-Gees Football (@GeeGeesFootball) August 10, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS FROM TESTING:
- Tanner Bishop ties a 5-year standing Gee-Gee bench record with 31reps at 225lbs
- Kalem Beaver beats his own 40-yard dash record with a time of 4.38s
Photos by: @robertgreeley22 pic.twitter.com/zpqVsecjGD
Like every other year, training camps offer fans the initial foyer into a new campaign – with players pushing themselves in the weight room, studying up on the playbook, and of course, putting everything they've worked for into practice on the field. The anticipation built up from last season's ups and downs and all the off-season preparations is in full effect with these first drills, snaps, and practices; something that never gets old for those in the game or cheering from the stands.
The boys are back in town! #trainingcamp2018 ?#goblackgogold ??@UWWarriorsFB @OUAsport @USPORTSca pic.twitter.com/9FlOQ7RFKw
— UWaterloo Warriors (@WlooWarriors) August 9, 2018
Following their respective training camps, schools will participate in an exhibition game next weekend ahead of the regular season – some going toe-to-toe with fellow OUA squads, while others go beyond the province for their preseason competition.
The 2018 regular season then kicks off on Sunday, August 26, with all the action taking place on OUA.tv. For the complete regular season football schedule, visit oua.ca.
Let the #QuestForTheCup begin.