Aug. 18, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - A day after head coach George O'Leary and his players met with fans and signed autographs on UCF's annual picture day, the Knights football team got back to work Monday afternoon. Day 15 of the preseason camp started on the outdoor fields before tropical weather forced the squad to finish practice in Nicholson Fieldhouse.
While the season-opener is fast approaching, football did not seem to be the first topic of conversation following practice, as Tropical Storm Fay is making its way to the Orlando area.
"Right now, my understanding is that they are closing school tonight," said O'Leary. "The biggest thing you have to worry about now is getting food for the players, and they have the dorms to stay in so we should be fine there. But obviously with the storm, safety is the most important thing."
Tuesday's practice is still set for 3-5 p.m., and it will be the final session that will be open to the public.
? Monday's big hit of the day came indoors when sophomore linebacker Lawrence Young broke through the o-line and sent freshman running back Brynn Harvey to the turf with a thunderous tackle.
? Due to the threat of Tropical Storm Fay, members of the UCF facilities crew were busy taking down the black windguards that surrounds the practice fields. They also took down the goalposts and transferred many loose objects indoors.
? In the crowd for Monday's practice included public address announcer and longtime UCF fan Erik Kohler, as well as cameramen from WKMG channel six and Central Florida News 13.
? The annual UCF Community Kickoff Luncheon is slated for Aug. 28 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. For more information on the event, visit www.orlando.org.
UCF is preparing for the season-opener against South Carolina State at Bright House Networks Stadium Aug. 30. The Knights will play six contests at the on-campus facility this year.
Season tickets are currently available. To order season tickets, or to learn more about attending games at Bright House Networks Stadium, call 407-UCF-1000.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.