Buffalo State and third-year Head Coach Bob Swank will welcome approximately 100 prospective football players to the Bengals’ 2003 preseason camp beginning on Wednesday, August 15.

The Bengals will begin preparation for a schedule that continues to be one of the most difficult in the nation as four of Buffalo State’s eight Division III opponents are ranked among the nations best teams according to Don Hansen’s Football Gazette’s preseason poll. Rowan (October 11) leads the group at No. 5, while Brockport (October 4) joins the Profs in the Top-10, ranking eighth. Washington & Jefferson (Novermber 15) is picked 16th, and Cortland (September 27) is ranked 36th. The Bengals will open the season on September 6 against Division I-AA Robert Morris, before travelling to Division II Mansfield the following week.

Buffalo State’s team captains will be seniors TJ Cottrell (E. Amherst/Williamsville South) and Rob Currin (Angola/St. Francis). Cottrell, an All-America candidate, will be a focal point of the Bengals’ offense this season as a fourth-year starter at tight end. Currin enters camp at 6 feet 2 inches and 285 pounds, as he will help solidify the team’s offensive line.

The tentative practice schedule for training camp is as follows:

Wednesday, August 13 – Check-in and Meetings

Thursday, August 14 - 2:45-5:45 pm – Helmets Only

Friday, August 15 - 1:00-4:00 pm – Helmets Only

Saturday, August 16 - 2:45-5:45 pm – Helmets and Shoulder Pads Only

Sunday, August 17 - 2:45-5:45 pm – Helmets and Shoulder Pads Only

Monday, August 18 - 2:45-5:45 pm – Full Equipment

Tuesday, August 19 – 8:30-11:00 am and 3:15-5:45 pm – Full Equipment

Wednesday, August 20 – 2:45-5:45 pm – Full Equipment

Thursday, August 21 – 8:30-11:00 am and 3:15-5:45 pm – Full Equipment

Friday, August 22 – 3-5:45 pm – SCRIMMAGE vs. ECC – Full Equipment



(Media members can set up interviews with players or coaches by calling the Buffalo State Office of Sports Information at (716) 878-6030.)



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