EMU Football Opens 2014 Camp at The Factory

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – While most of their fellow students are enjoying one last month of summer break, the Eastern Michigan University football squad returned to campus yesterday and took to the "EMU Gray" Field Turf of Rynearson Stadium today, Aug. 4, for the first official practice of the 2014 season. First-year Head Coach Chris Creighton guided the Eagles through a two-hour workout as they prepare for the 2014 season opener Saturday, Aug. 30, when EMU hosts Morgan State University.

On Sunday, the squad took care of some administrative tasks such as physicals, a compliance meeting and equipment distribution. The team hit the field today for the first of five NCAA required acclimation days. The players are allowed to wear only helmets for the first three days of acclimation before donning shoulder pads for the fourth day and full pads for day five. Following the first five days, the team can then have its first double session of practice. The Eagles will have their first double session on Saturday, Aug. 9. However, a team cannot have consecutive days of two-a-days.

The Eagles began camp on the new "EMU Gray" Field Turf for 50 minutes before drills were moved inside The Bubble for the remainder of practice due to thunderstorms in the area. Individual position workouts were conducted, while the offense and defense also lined up against each other for multiple plays. Highlights from practice included three interceptions by the defense as well as a long touchdown pass from Brogan Roback (Maumee, Ohio-Toledo St. John's Jesuit) to Bronson Hill (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Catholic Central).

Finishing up the first practice of the fall, the team held a tug of war contest against the four classes. The results may surprise you as the sophomores defeated the seniors and the freshmen out-tugged the juniors to advance to the finals. In the championship matchup, the freshmen emerged as the victors, sending the new arrivals into a frenzy.

"It was really fun to be out here," Creighton said following practice. "We used multiple facilities, we had warm, we had wet, we had gray, we had green, we had outdoor, we had indoor, we had touchdowns, we had turnovers - we kind of had the whole gamut." Hear Coach Creighton's complete post-practice interview by clicking the link above.

Practice continues tomorrow for the Green and White. Also stay tuned on Tuesday, Aug. 5,for an in-depth look at the making of The Factory.

The Eagles will open their 123rd season on the gridiron with a non-conference home game against Morgan State Saturday, Aug. 30, in Rynearson Stadium. Single game and season tickets are now on sale online at EMUEagles.com, by calling 734.487.2282 or by visiting the EMU Ticket Office daily between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Single game ticket prices start at just $12 for adults and $5 for youth 12-and-under.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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