DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman University will open its 2012 Football Training Camp Thursday, August 2, at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex while enhancements to its on-campus facilities near completion, Director of Athletics Lynn W. Thompson and Head Football Coach Brian Jenkins announced today (Tuesday, July 31, 2012).
Inclement weather delayed renovations including a resodding of the practice field, in addition to a new practice track, pole vault and jump pits for the track & field program. When it became apparent that on-campus facilities would be not be available, the B-CU administration employed its contingency plan.
"We've exercised the option of relocating the first two weeks of practice," Thompson said. "We're honored that the City of New Smyrna Beach has welcomed our program and has extended its facilities to us."
"New Smyrna Beach has a first-rate athletic complex with ample green space, shower and locker facilities and a stadium that more than suits our scrimmage needs," Thompson added. "We're going to turn this into a retreat-like, NFL training camp experience for our student-athletes."
Having two-a-day practices 15 miles from campus will provide some logistical challenges, Thompson admits, but is confident and pleased how the B-CU athletic and student support staffs have come together.
"A move of this magnitude involves the coordination of the training, equipment, transportation and food service staffs, along with the administration, to work in conjunction with the needs of our student-athletes and coaches," Thompson said. "The community outreach and hospitality extended by the city of New Smyrna is a huge bonus for the university as we fulfill our civic engagement mission."
The staff at the Sports Complex has been preparing for the Wildcats' arrival, and is looking to provide B-CU with a top notch experience in its temporary home away from home.
"We're very excited to have Bethune-Cookman football call our park home for two weeks," said Matt Musgrove, Sports Complex Manager for the City of New Smyrna Beach. "This represents a new direction for us in the service that we want to provide, and we intend to give Bethune-Cookman the red carpet treatment and provide them with a great training camp heading into what promises to be a great season."
Jenkins, beginning his third season as the Wildcats' head coach, is expecting few, if any, distractions.
"I'm excited to get back to business," Jenkins said.
Practices will be closed to the public and media during the first week, but open practices and scrimmages are being considered. Visit www.B-CUathletics.com for updates.
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