Thursday, June 12, 2008

Eskimo Training Camp Notes - Day 11

Today's practice was accompanied by weird weather. The afternoon started with sunny skies, which then quickly turned black. Rain sent media, fans and some Eskimo staff seeking cover. The rain continued on for five minutes and was again replaced with sunny skies. While some people complained, injured DL Justin Cooper welcomed the rain saying he prefers it to the warm weather.

With Friday's first pre-season game against Calgary on everybody's mind, many rookies are looking forward to having a spot on the starting line-up for the game. There is one rookie who managed to get his first start today. Assistant Therapist Nate Hay finally got moved up from his "water boy" ranks to starter, quite literally. Nate got to blow the air horn which signals the beginning of warm-up and drills. After his inaugural "blow", Nate shouts to rookie DB Bradley Robinson, "That one was for you Brad!" Nate Hay will be replacing Terrill Lobo as Assistant Therapist as Terrill has taken a job as Head Athletic Therapist with the Oil Kings. Wide receiver Clarence Moore welcomed Hay in his new roll with enthusiasm after the horn went to start drills. "T.O (Terrill) is about to be out! We've got a new horn now! Whooo!"

Quotes:

Head Coach Danny Maciocia feels that Friday's pre-season game against Calgary is a great chance to rest some of the veterans and to see what the rookies can do. "I have a good feel for what Tucker does and KP brings and the healthy Kelly Campbell, what he can do. It just gives a chance to the Jamison's and Prator's of the world, the Challengers and see what they can do out there...and we're taking the same mindset with every other position really."

Offensive Line Coach Ronnie Vinklarek gets high praises from Danny Maciocia. Today, the Eskimo Head Coach told the media that Vinklarek is the best line coach he has ever been around. "He is well respected, he is a no nonsense kind of guy. He will work you hard. He takes care of his unit. He is well respected around the league," says Maciocia. "He is well balanced. He is dialed in and he can crack a joke every once in awhile. But if you don't get it done he will get after you and he doesn't have a problem calling you out in a group. There is clearly a respect for him and I'm sure the respect is mutual with him and his players. He has been a great addition here."

Releases: None

Injuries:

- Jason Tucker (back)

- Ron "Goldie" McClendon (quad)

- Adam Braidwood (knee)

- Kelly Campbell (quad)

- Justin Cooper (calf)

- Bradley Robinson (hamstring)

Tomorrow's Practice Schedule:

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Walk Thru

1:10 pm

Practice Field/Clarke Stadium

Players and coaches are available on-field to the media following the training session.

2008 Eskimo Training Camp returns to Clarke Stadium on Sunday, June 8 at 1pm. The team travels to Calgary for the first pre-season game on June 13 at 7:00pm and returns home for the second pre-season game on June 19 vs. Saskatchewan at 7:00pm. For more information on the Edmonton Eskimos visit our website at www.esks.com.

The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is one of the most successful teams in CFL history with 13 Grey Cup championships and a North American pro-sports record of 34 consecutive years in the playoffs. A community-owned team, the Eskimos pride themselves on giving back to the community that has supported the organization throughout its illustrious history.



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