RAMS OPEN CAMP SUNDAY
The University of Regina Rams kick off their 2015 season with fall camp starting this weekend, with players to report on Saturday and the first on-field session happening on Sunday at the U of R Field.
The camp will mark the beginning of a new era for the Rams, who will have a new head coach for the first time in their CIS history with Mike Gibson now at the helm of the program.
“I’m just so glad to finally get out there on the field,” Gibson said. “I’m excited to see this football team continue on the road we set out on in January, and it’s our goal to get one percent better every day in all areas – in the meeting rooms, on the field, and in terms of playbook knowledge. You can expect our guys to compete hard and push each other every day in pursuit of this.”
The Rams expect to have 83 players in camp – 36 returning letterwinners from last year’s team, 14 who were with the squad in 2014 but redshirted, and 33 players new to the program. Leading the returners on the defensive side of the ball are dimeback Joey Dwyer and linebacker Michael Stefanovic, both of whom have been named a Canada West all-star in the last two seasons. Second-year quarterback Noah Picton will guide the team’s offence, with second-year running back Atlee Simon coming off a breakout second half of last season and an offensive line that is expected to return four of five starters.
The team will report for meetings on Saturday, with the first on-field practice set for Sunday from 10:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Camp continues with one practice per day leading up to a non-conference game against Calgary on Aug. 26 in Medicine Hat, Alta.
The Rams will then prepare for their Canada West opener, which will see them host the Alberta Golden Bears on Sept. 4 at Mosaic Stadium.
Practice Schedule – Fall Camp
Aug. 16 – 10:10 to 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 17 – 10:10 to 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 18 – 10:45 to 12:35 p.m.
Aug. 19 – 10:10 to 1:45 p.m.
Aug. 20 – 12:30 to 3:50 p.m.
Aug. 21 – 10:45 to 12:35 p.m.
Aug. 22 – 10:10 to 1:45 p.m.
Aug. 23 – 11:15 to 1:45 p.m. (mock game)
Aug. 24 – 10:10 to 1:45 p.m.
Aug. 25 – 11:00 to 12:05 p.m.
(Courtesy ReginaRams.com)
Rams should get a good look at what Riders record is because that is what theirs will look like. #fact
A bit early for Huskie trash talk don't ya think!
Did the Rams make a good choice in hiring Gibson? I guess we are going to find out in a big hurry. There are a lot of people in this town thinking the wrong hire was made. There is talent there so let's find out what they can or can't do.
There is SOME talent, maybe not the best. Returnees do not translate into talent, they're returnees. Gibson needs to be give n a shot. At how little the last coach did, there isn't much of a case for hiring a local guy. Most teams that want to win don't just look at local guys to run their program. Here it seems we want to and the net result is we never accomplish much. Time for a different direction.
I agree it may have been time for a different direction as Frank wasn't getting the job done. There are some large egos connected with this program and the fact the junior success didn't translate to University has rankled some (like a former Quarterback and receiver). It may or may not be truth, but the story around town is due diligence was not done in bringing Mr. Gibson to town and that the program may actually be in worse shape despite all the positives he is preaching. He has a chance to get this program back to where many connected… Read more »
RP
Frank is way too classy to come on the Sportscage and tell the real story, but you should give him an invite. It would make for great radio!
The hiring committee botched this big time and it should be the hiring committee who gets sent packing in three years when Gibson is let go.
He had Richie Hall talking to them today. Hey kids, I am the defensive co-ordinator of the number 9 defense in the CFL, listen to what I say!
How could the program be in worse shape with Gibson as HC, that program has been stuck in second gear since 2002.
What lack of due diligence was not performed? Or are some local people (coaches) just peeved they weren’t considered for the job and now coming up and spreading things?