90 players expected to check in on Thursday as Demons open preseason camp

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State will welcome 90 players into preseason camp on Thursday afternoon as the Demons prepare for the 2006 season. The Demons, who are selected to finish third in preseason Southland Conference polls, return 34 lettermen and 11 starters from last year`s team that finished 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the league. The team will check-in at 5 Thursday afternoon then will meet with academic advisor Julie Lessiter. At 8 a.m. Friday morning, players that were not on campus during the summer will take part in the Trident Tests, a series of competitions assessing speed, strength, agility and conditioning. The Demons will hold their first practice at 3:30 Friday afternoon and will follow with an 8:15 start Saturday morning. NSU`s annual Fall Sports Media Day, featuring the football team but also showcasing soccer, volleyball and cross country, is set for Thursday, Aug. 10, beginning at 11:30 in the Stroud Room of the athletic fieldhouse. Two major scrimmages are planned during preseason camp: Thursday evening, Aug. 17, at 6 and Tuesday evening, Aug. 22, at 6 in Turpin Stadium. The Demons kick off the season Sept. 2 at Kansas. After a Sept. 9 visit to Baylor, Northwestern begins the home schedule Sept. 16, opening a three-game homestand against Delaware State.