RELEASE DATE: 8/05/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EIGHTY-FIVE PLAYERS REPORT TO FOOTBALL PRESEASON CAMP – RECORD FOUR PLAYERS TEST OUT ABOVE 400 POUNDS IN BENCH PRESS

MANSFIELD – The Mansfield University football preseason camp put in its first full day with strength and conditioning testing and special team’s tryouts.

Eighty-five players reported to camp on Wednesday night to prepare for the first season under new head coach Jim Shiffer. 

“I can’t wait for practice,” said preseason All-American Earnest “Poohbear” McNeal. “It’s so great to see all the guys again and everybody seems to be in really great shape.”

“Everything is still a little new to both players and coaches,” Shiffer remarked. “But I will say I’m please with the physical shape our seniors came back in. You can tell they worked hard in the off season and I’m sure that’s going to pay off for us.”

A record four players benched pressed more than 400 pounds including a team best effort of 460 pounds by senor preseason All-American noseguard Brian DeCecco. Senior lineman Ryan McClellan, who weighted in a 310 pounds of mostly muscle, put up 415 pounds while sophomores Andre’ Turner and Jamar Foulks each managed 405 pounds.

In compliance with NCAA regulations, the Mountaineers will have a single on field practice tomorrow morning.