The much-anticipated 2000 Illinois State football season takes its first step, Thursday, when 15 first-year players report for the beginning of preseason drills.
The newcomers will be tested in agilities and participate in various orientation programs before being joined by the 72 returning varsity players on Sunday.
The teams annual media day is Tuesday, Aug. 8, with practices beginning the following day. Two-a-day practices run from Aug. 9-21.
ISU head coach Denver Johnson said most of his teams practices will be open to the public. During two-a-day drills, the morning practice will begin at 8:15 a.m., while the afternoon session starts at 3:45 p.m. The length of those workouts will vary.
The coaching staff is currently in the midst of its move to the new Redbird Football Complex. The newcomers will locker in the existing Horton Field House facility until Tuesday afternoon, when all players will move to the new building.
This is an exciting and very busy time for us, Johnson said. Our staff has been excited about getting back with the players and about moving into the new facility. The fact that those two things happen almost simultaneously just heightens our enthusiasm.
