Chicago Rush mini-camp, training camp schedule announced
Published on January 8, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Mike Ditka's ArenaBowl XX champion Chicago Rush officially will begin its quest to become the first AFL team in more than a decade to repeat as champions when its players report to Chicago on February 3, the team announced today.
The Rush will open practice by hosting a three-day mini-camp at Allstate Arena beginning Sunday, February 4. The Rush then will open training camp on Monday, February 12. (See attached practice schedule).
For the second-consecutive year the Rush will travel to Columbus for a day of practices against the Destroyers on Monday, February 19, and a live scrimmage on Tuesday, February 20.
"We are excited to get back on the field and tackle the challenge of trying to defend our title," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "After 20 years, I always am looking for new ways to fire up our coaches and players. I think between the new AFL rules and trying to repeat, we have more than enough challenges to keep us focused."
The team's 37-man training camp roster features 19 players returning from the 2006 squad that defeated Orlando 69-61 to win ArenaBowl XX. The 18 new players added to the team's roster include 16 rookies, including former Chicago Bears Reggie Austin, Ahmad Merritt and Carl Ford, and two AFL veterans - wide receiver C.J. Johnson who returns for his second stint with the Rush, and prized free agent lineman E.J. Burt.
All three mini-camp practices will be held at Allstate Arena. Training camp workouts will be held at the team's practice facility, Grand Sports Arena (formerly Poplar Creek Sports Centre), located at 2350 Hassell Road in Hoffman Estates. All training camp practices at Grand Sports Arena are open to the public. Coaches and players will be available to the media after the second practice each day (approximately 11:15 a.m.). Media should contact the Rush communications staff for exact practice times.
The Rush is required to cut its roster down to the mandated 24-man limit by Monday, February 26.
CHICAGO RUSH PRACTICE SCHEDULE
MINI-CAMP (No pads) Sunday, February 4 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (Allstate Arena)
Monday, February 5 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (Allstate Arena)
Tuesday, February 6 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (Allstate Arena)
TRAINING CAMP Monday, February 12 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Tuesday, February 13 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, February 14 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Thursday, February 15 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Friday, February 16 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Saturday, February 17 - TBD
Sunday, February 18 - Travel to Columbus
Monday, February 19 - Practice vs. Columbus Destroyers
Tuesday, February 20 - Scrimmage vs. Destroyers
Wednesday, February 21 - Player meetings only, no practice or media availability
Thursday, February 22 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Friday, February 23 - 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Saturday, February 24 - No practice
Sunday, February 25 - No practice
REGULAR SEASON Monday, February 26 - No Practice
Tuesday, February 27 - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by Media Day
Wednesday, February 28 - 12:20 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Thursday, March 1 - 9:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, March 2 - 9:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 3 -Walk-thru in Kansas City TBA
Sunday, March 4 - Rush at Kansas City, 11:30 a.m.
All practices (except where noted) will be held at the team's practice facility, Grand Sports Arena (formerly Poplar Creek Sports Centre), located at 2350 Hassell Road in Hoffman Estates. Times subject to change.
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