School Name Goes Here

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - It wasn't the most admirable conditions with which to begin the new year. But, head coach Bill Zwaan and his coaching staff put the 2010 Golden Rams' gridders through their paces Thursday morning as a steady rain accompanied the football players onto the practice fields behind Farrell Stadium.

It was two full hours of evaluation for the coaching staff, who got their first look at what condition in which the players came back. Overall, Zwaan and his crew were pleased with what they saw.

All of their questions couldn't possibly be answered after Day One of the preseason camp. However, everyone was pleased with how the team looked. Below are brief reactions to the first day of camp.


HEAD COACH BILL ZWAAN
re: Overall impressions of the first day
"The kids came back in great shape. They are very well conditioned and working hard. I feel like we looked pretty good. Everybody came back in better shape then they have in the past. We are going to keep pushing them.

"In some places where we are experienced, like the offensive line, secondary and running back, I really liked how we looked out there. The few places where we are inexperienced, it is going to take some time.

"But, I'm really happy with everyone's work ethic."

re: New linebackers
"They are good players. They just haven't played a lot. We had good players in front of them. But, now this is their turn. They are excited about it. You can see them practicing at a high level. They want to make the most out of their opportunity.

"We are very confident in their abilities. You just have to wait and see how they perform in a game. Our expectation is that they will do just fine."

re: Mike Mattei's first day at quarterback in the fall
"Mike looked really good the first day. It will be a change. Billy (Zwaan) and Joe (Wright) had a lot of experience in this offense. Mike doesn't have that experience behind him. But, he has a ton of ability. The kids all recognized his leadership." 


JR C KYLE O'NEILL
re: Impressions of offensive line after Day One
"We were a lot crisper than I thought we'd be. But, we are all a year older and experienced now. Everyone seemed to be flying around. So, it was nice to get back into it.

"We are much closer as a group. This offensive line unit is a tight bunch of guys."

re: New QB Mike Mattei
"Mike had a really good practice. He threw the ball well. All the quarterbacks had a good day. Mike's a little more athletic quarterback than Joey (Wright). So, there is a little more running around back there."


SR DE TRAVIS FORD-BEY
re: Impressions of the defense after Day One
"We are just happy to be back on the field with one another. It's been awhile since we've all been together. But, I thought we looked good, and we have to keep improving." 

re: Condition of the team
"I was happy to see that most of the guys were in excellent shape. Everybody looked like they came to camp ready to play.

re: The new-look defense
"We all want to be of the mindset that we aren't going to take any steps backwards. We still want to be the best defense in the league. There are a few things we need to work on. But, that is what camp is for.

re: New linebackers
"The guys behind us are flying around. They know the defense. It is going to be really exciting to see what they can do on the field. Nobody has to worry about the four linebackers. They are going to be fine.