|
Friday, July 24, 2009 7:10 PM EDT
POLLOCK: Some tips on training camp for the Bills
Well, it’s put-up time for the Buffalo Bills.
After three straight 7-9 seasons - last year’s despite a 4-0 and 5-1 start - and no playoff berths since the 1999 campaign, the franchise’s 50th season begins today with players checking in at Pittsford’s St. John Fisher College.
Incredibly, it’s the 10th year for the Bills at the Rochester-area school after 19 campaigns at Fredonia State, 13 at Niagara University, five at Blasdell’s Camelot Hotel and three at East Aurora’s Roycroft Inn.
The switch to St. John Fisher was a marketing move.
Rural Chautauqua County, home of Fredonia, has a population six times smaller than Monroe County, anchored by the city of Rochester.
Then, too, fans from that area account for more than a quarter of the Bills’ club seats and suites and Monroe County residents make up nearly 20 percent of the team’s ticket sales.
But there’s also the fact SJF is a quality site.
Buffalo coach Dick Jauron maintained, “It’s as good of a training facility as I’ve ever been around as a player and coach.
“I like the fact it’s far enough away from Buffalo that it’s a little bit secluded, but close enough that we can get back and forth.”
AS ALWAYS, at this time of year, expectations are high.
Jauron’s fourth season as head coach will likely be his last unless he can end Buffalo’s nine-year playoff drought.
The risky, but buzz-creating signing of veteran wide receiver Terrell Owens has fans curious, at very least. And a potentially productive draft is seen by optimists as the key to the three more wins the Bills figure to need for a playoff spot though even that might not be enough.
Last year improved Miami won the AFC East with an 11-5 record, the same as New England, which had won six of the previous seven division titles. The Patriots actually missed the playoffs with 11 wins ... but accomplished that without All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady.
FOR BILLS’ fans who wanted to get an early look at T.O. & Company this weekend, they’ll need a ticket and only a few remain.
Buffalo will have its only two-a-days the first two practice days with workouts scheduled from 8:30-10:25 a.m. and 2:15-4:10 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
The Bills will be at SJF for 22 practices, starting Saturday with camp breaking on Wed., Aug. 19. Of those workouts, seven will be at night (July 28, 30, Aug. 4, 6, 11, 13 and 17 from 7-9:05).
Free tickets are required for the evening practices which are conducted on the turf in Growney Stadium with limited seating. Check buffalobills.com for exact locations and dates when tickets become available.
Buffalo’s other training camp workouts: July 27 (11 a.m.-1:10 p.m.), July 29, Aug. 5, 12 (1-3:05 p.m.), July 31, Aug. 3, 7, 18 (2:15-4:20 p.m.), Aug. 1 (10:10 a.m.-12:10 p,.m.), Aug. 14 (10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) and Aug. 19 (9:30-11:10 a.m.).
Practice times are tentative and can be verified via the Bills’ Camp Hotline (877-228-4257).
As always, there’s no parking on the campus. Those attending camp can park at three Pittsford sites: Calkins Road Middle School (except July 30-31, 1899 Calkins Rd.), Pittsford-Mendon High School (except Aug. 6, 472 Mendon Rd.) and Barker Road Middle School (75 Barker Road).
Shuttle buses ($1 charge for ages 12-62) transport fans to St. John Fisher.
Again this year there will be food (cash only) and merchandise (cash or credit) vendors, a Kids’ Autograph Zone (under age 14) plus autographs can be obtained along the field fence after practice. In addition, following the night practices there will be a full team autograph session.
Finally, the interactive area will feature quarterback challenge, field goal challenge, football toss, run the gauntlet, red zone, obstacle course and basketball free throw.
The easiest route to camp for Southern Tier fans is to take Route 17 east to Rt. 36 in Hornell. Go 15 miles north to Interstate 390 north and take it to Interstate 590 north to Monroe Ave. (Route 31). Turn right on Monroe and follow the green and white signs to any of the shuttle lots.
In the event of inclement weather, practices will be moved indoors and closed to the public, as will be the interactive area.
(Chuck Pollock, the Times Herald sports editor, can be reached at cpollock@oleantimesherald.com)
 printer friendly version
 e-mail this story
Reader Comments
There are No comments posted. comments to this story.
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bradfordera.com.
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
|
