Training Camp Report - Day 16
June 16, 2008 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp continued on Monday, with the warmest weather of the summer so far. Day 14 was watched by several fans, and everyone at Canad Inns stadium was enjoying the sun and football that was being played.
Two young men who are attracting a lot of attention in camp are kickers Alex Serna (#34), and Brian Monroe (#79).
Serna, 23, is a placekicker from Oregon State University. He experienced a very successful college career and was named the 2005 Lou Groza award winner as the best placekicker in the United States.
He grew up in California, and despite his size, (5-8, 170 pounds) he proved that he could kick field goals under any condition. Serna spent his last season at college punting. In Winnipeg, he's been practicing placekicking and punting.
"It's a lot of fun out here. And the thing about it is if you can play, they're going to have you out on the field. It doesn't matter what your size is, if you can play, you can play," Serna said.
The other kicker in camp is Monroe, a former Miami Hurricane has much more experience punting, but is learning the art of field goal kicking. He understands the challenge of being an import in the CFL, and how valuable a kicker is that has all aspects of the game. Those aspects - punting, field goal kicks, and kickoffs - are all becoming familiar to Monroe in Bombers camp this year.
Monroe is eyeing Thursday's pre-season game against Montreal.
"I'm excited for it. You practice to play the game. I didn't play last game so now I'm motivated for this one," Monroe said. "To me this is fun. I have to go out there and do my thing."
Bomber fans will also get the opportunity to see Serna on Thursday.
"It's a great opportunity for me. My mindset was to make this team, so I have to keep that mindset and keep grinding away."
Training camp continues Tuesday with a 10 a.m. practice at Canad Inns Stadium.
Not on the field:
- Sam Young (#9), hamstring, day-to-day
- Jon Oosterhuis (#77), strained calf, 1-2 weeks
- Matt Sheridan (#54), groin, day-to-day
- Graeme Bell (#26), hamstring, day-to-day
Transactions:
The Blue Bombers signed punter #19 Duncan O'Mahony (UBC).
Blue Bombers training camp continues Tuesday at Canad Inns Stadium. The team will practice from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17. Media availability Tuesday will be at approximately 12:15 p.m., on the field, at Canad Inns Stadium.
The Blue Bombers will have their walk-through practice on Wednesday, June 18 at Canad Inns Stadium at 10:45 a.m. Head coach Doug Berry will have his pre-game press conference at 10:45 a.m. in the Sun Centre overlooking the field. Players will be made available on the field following the media conference.
The Montreal Alouettes will have their walk-through practice at Canad Inns Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. Alouettes players will be made available following practice.
Season tickets are still available through the Blue Bombers football club offices or by calling 204-784-7448 or going to http://www.bluebombers.com
Canadian Football League Stories from June 16, 2008
- Training Camp Report - Day 16 - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Training camp report - Day 16 - Montreal Alouettes
- Eskimos update - Edmonton Elks
- Blue Bombers add Canadian to roster - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Esks, City of Edmonton and Molson team up to provide free service for fans - Edmonton Elks
- Argos Launch New & Interactive Website - Toronto Argonauts
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