LIVINGSTON- With the new lights up in Tiger Stadium and kickoff just 22 days away, the University of West Alabama football team reported for camp on Wednesday much to the delight of Tiger Head Coach Sam McCorkle. Ninety-three players reported, including a huge true freshman class that is preparing for its first practice in Tiger uniforms.

“We are excited about seeing all of the guys on reporting day,” said McCorkle. “At first glance the guys appear to have worked out this summer and look to be in good shape. Of course, we will really find out what kind of shape they are in over the next few days.”

West Alabama conducted its first practice at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday morning under the new lights in Tiger Stadium. As for the rest of the week, UWA has one practice per day scheduled in preparation for the season opener against Concordia College on August 25. The Tigers will take the practice field for the first time in full pads Monday.

“I was really pleased with the enthusiasm, which was much better than the first day last year,” McCorkle said of UWA’s initial practice sessions. “I thought our coaching staff helped with the intensity of practice and that was a positive thing.”

“We have a very young team,” said McCorkle. “Over half of the players here are newcomers. We have a lot to do in a very short amount of time. We do, however, feel good about things, and there seems to be a buzz and excitement among our players and we are hoping that will carry over to the practice field.”

The kickoff for the season opener against Concordia College will be at 7:00 p.m. West Alabama remains home the following Thursday to take on Lambuth.

“We are a young team,” closed McCorkle. “We will have to evaluate a lot of players in a hurry to see which of these young guys can help us.”

Editor’s note: A full preview of the upcoming UWA season will be available In Saturday’s edition of the Times.