CONWAY, Ark. _ With their 2012 season opener a month away, the University of Central Arkansas football Bears report to campus on Saturday to open fall camp.
The first practice for the Bears is set for 3:45 Sunday.
“We’re definitely anxious to get started,’ said UCA head coach Clint Conque, who will be kicking off his 13th fall camp at UCA. “Overall, we had a good summer of work, but now it’s time to translate our physical improvements into the fundamentals of football.
“It’s always a fun time of year, to get everyone out there on the practice field and try to get ready for our season opener.’
The Bears are coming off their most productive season since moving to NCAA Division I in 2006. UCA finished 9-4 overall in 2011, which its first trip to the FCS Playoffs. The Bears return 15 starters, including nine preseason All-Southland Conference selections.
The season opener for UCA will be a tough one as they face Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss., on Sept. 1. Kickoff is 6 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Tickets are available at www.ucasports.com or by calling 501-852-2234.
The Bears, who were picked third in the SLC preseason polls, will play six home games this season, beginning with Bacone College on Sept. 15. Included with that game will be the official dedication of the 12 skyboxes on the east side of First Security Field at Estes Stadium. Defending SLC champion Sam Houston State comes to Conway on Sept. 22. Other conference home games include Nicholls State (Oct. 6), Lamar (Oct. 20) and Northwestern State (Nov. 3). A non-conference game with Eastern Illinois (Nov. 17) closes out the regular-season slate.
UCA PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Sunday, Aug. 5 - 3:45
Monday, Aug. 6 - 3:45
Tuesday, Aug. 7 - 3:45
Wednesday, Aug. 8 - 3:45
Thursday, Aug. 9 - 3:45 (first day of full pads)
Friday, Aug. 10 - 7:00
Saturday, Aug. 11 - 3:45 (Scrimmage #1)
Sunday, Aug. 12 - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 13 - 3:45
Tuesday, Aug. 14 - 9:00 & 3:45
Wednesday, Aug. 15 - 3:45
Thursday, Aug. 16 - 9:00
Friday, Aug. 17 - 3:45
Saturday, Aug. 18 - 3:45 (Scrimmage #2)
Sunday, Aug. 19 - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 20 - 3:45
Tuesday, Aug. 21 - 9:00 & 3:45
Wednesday, Aug. 22 - 6:30 (Scrimmage #3)
Thursday, Aug. 23 - OFF
Friday, Aug. 24 - TBA
Saturday, Aug. 25 - 9:00 (Dress rehearsal)
Sunday, Aug. 26 - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 27 - OFF
Tuesday, Aug. 28 - TBA
Wednesday, Aug. 29 - TBA
Thursday, Aug. 30 - TBA
Friday, Aug. 31 - TBA
Saturday, Sept. 1 - UCA vs. Ole Miss (6 p.m., Oxford, Miss.)
