Charleston, S.C. - Thanks to the newly turfed Willson Field the Bulldogs were able to kick-off fall camp on Friday, practicing through a constant downpour that lasted the majority of the three-hour workout.

“It was an approximate $400,000 practice today,” joked Head Coach Kevin Higgins as the rain continued to fall as athletes and coaching rushed inside. Prior to the field's completion two weeks ago, the team would had to have practice inside McAlister Field House due to the poor field conditions created by the smallest amount of rain.

“It was so nice to have our new turf field,” Higgins added. “I looked at it as a practice in which we were able to get so much done in terrible weather. Last year on day one (if it rained) we would have been inside, having meetings and doing walk-throughs. This year we were able to be outside and practice for three hours.”

Although things were wet, The Citadel team, who worked out in helmets only, managed to have a productive practice with no injuries to report.

“I think we are much further ahead on day one this year than we were last year which is to be expected,” Higgins said. “There was tremendous carry over from the spring and it was evident that our players worked extremely hard in the summer.”

The Bulldogs take to the field again on Saturday morning, 8-11 a.m. at Willson Field. Following the morning work-out, the team and coaching staff will head over to Johnson Hagood Stadium for The Citadel's Annual Media Day. Festivities will kick-off with a media luncheon at 12:30 p.m., followed by team photos and interviews.

For more information on Bulldog Football, Media Day or The Citadel Athletics, contact Media Relations Director Noelle Orr at (843) 953-5353 or go to www.CitadelSports.com.