Aug. 3, 2004

Winston-Salem, NC - The WSSU football team will start the 2004 season on Tuesday August 3rd, 2004 when they will kick off their fall training camp. Returning players, as well as incoming freshman, will report to campus between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on Tuesday and will officially begin practice the following day.

Head Coach Kermit Blount expects approximately 130 players to be in camp by Tuesday afternoon. The coaching staff will trim down the roster after approximately five days, and should have the active roster set by August 20th.

The Rams will look to once again return to atop the CIAA and capture their ninth football championship, something they haven't done since back to back championships in 1999 and 2000.

Anthony Robinson (pictured) Has Led The Rams In Tackles The Past Two Seasons

Last season, the Rams posted an impressive 7-3 record and came up just short in the race for a championship game berth. However, the Rams led the CIAA in rushing yardage, scoring offense, punt returns, kick returns and five other statistical categories. They will once again look to dominate teams with a punishing running game and will throw the ball consistently as well.

WSSU returns First-Team All-CIAA rusher Martin Hicks who looks to equal the success of last season's 1000-yard performance. Hot on his heels will be Jerrick "Jed" Bines, a slasher who rushed for 600 yards on only 70 carries.

The Rams also return gunslinger Joshua McGee who already holds six WSSU passing records and needs only 1,019 yards to take over the all-time passing yardage mark at WSSU.

On defense, the Rams return a pair of 2004 Preseason All-CIAA lineman in Phillip Betts and Anthony Robinson. Robinson, who has led the Rams in tackles the past two seasons, despite only being a junior in 2004, is a very real All-America candidate and a favorite for Defensive Player of the Year honors.

WSSU will play their first game at South Atlantic Conference member Carson-Newman on August 26th, 2004. The matchup between these two teams is one that Carson-Newman holds an all-time series advantage of two games to one. The Eagles are a Division II national powerhouse and the Rams will look to even the series. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.

For more information, or to arrange interviews with coaches, advisors, or team members, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143.

Day		Date		Practice Time (s)
Wednesday	         August 4th	TBA (Equipment Issue)
Thursday	         August 5th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Friday		August 6th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Saturday	         August 7th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Sunday	         August 8th	TBA
Monday	         August 9th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Tuesday	         August 10th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Tuesday 	         August 10th	3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday	         August 11th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Thursday 	         August 12th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Thursday	         August 12th	3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday 		August 13th	8:30 am - 11:30 am
Saturday	         August 14th	7:00 am - 9:30 am
Saturday	         August 14th	1:00 pm - 3:30 pm