Cornell University Athletics

Spring Football Practice Opens Saturday For Big Red

4/3/2009 10:20:36 AM

* 2009 Schedule (Times TBA)
* 2009 Spring Football Roster
* 2008 Final Statistics
* 2008 Final Results

ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell University football team will kick off its 2009 spring football practice schedule on Saturday, April 4 at Schoellkopf Field. The Big Red will begin its quest for the 2009 Ivy League title at 8:30 p.m. with the first of 12 official spring practices that culminates on April 25 with the Spring Game and postgame barbecue. Practices are free and open to the public.

The Big Red will have a brand new look on the field this spring with the departure of 13 senior starters among the class of 33 graduates. Among the missing will be three-year starter at quarterback Nathan Ford, first-team All-Ivy safety Tim Bax, two-time All-Ivy selections Graham Rihn (linebacker) and Steve Valenta (offensive tackle) and decorated receivers Jesse Baker and Zac Canty.

Of course, the cupboard isn't bare for head coach Jim Knowles '97 and his staff, and a young Cornell team promises new energy and excitement throughout the lineup. Record breaking receiver and return specialist Bryan Walters, starting tailback Randy Barbour and the right side of the offensive line (Andrew Bohl at guard and Quentin Bernhard at tackle) will lead the offense, while middle linebacker Chris Costello and a quintet of experienced defensive backs (Rashad Campbell, Emani Fenton, Mark Longo, Frank Morand and Andy Wade) highlight the defense. Place-kicker Brad Greenway returns as well for his junior campaign.

Cornell is coming off a 4-6 campaign, the program's first losing season since the 2004 squad posted that identical record. The Big Red opened 2008 with three straight wins by a total of five points, including a thrilling last-second victory at Lehigh, but couldn't sustain the momentum, dropping six of its final seven games.

2009 Cornell Spring Football Practice Schedule (Tentative)
Saturday, April 4: Practice #1 (helmets only), 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 5: Practice #2 (helmets only), 5:30 p.m.
Monday, April 6: Practice #3 (helmets only), 9 p.m.
Friday, April 10: Practice #4 (full pads), 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 11: Practice #5 (full pads), 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 12: Practice #6 (full pads), 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15: Practice #7 (full pads), 9 p.m.
Friday, April 17: Practice #8 (full pads), 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: Practice #9 (full pads), 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 19: Practice #10 (full pads), 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22: Practice #11 (full pads). 9 p.m.
Friday, April 24: Career Day
Saturday, April 25: Practice #12, Spring Game, time TBA

Print Friendly Version