WMU News

Football Broncos open camp, picked to win MAC West

Aug. 19, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University football team has opened camp in preparation for its season-opening encounter with fifth-ranked Florida on Sept. 4 in Gainesville.

Freshmen reported to campus on Aug. 10 and veterans arrived Aug. 12. The entire squad practiced together for the first time on Saturday, Aug. 14. The Broncos engage in two-a-day practices over
the next two weeks that are open to the media and public.

WMU was picked by five national publications to win the Mid-American Conference West Division. Third-year head coach Gary Darnell feels the pieces are in place for a successful campaign.

"Our team is similar to a race car. We've spent the past two seasons putting the engine and body together and testing the tires. Now we're ready to enter the race. We have 18 starters back, including some talented players at key positions, so this is a very important year for our program."

The Bronco home opener is Saturday, Sept. 11, "CommUniverCity Night," versus Youngstown State. In 1998, a WMU and conference record 35,107 fans crowded Waldo Stadium for CommUniverCity Night football. Kickoff for the Sept. 11 contest is set for 6 p.m.

Other 1999 home contests are Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. versus Central Michigan ("Southwest Fest"), Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. versus Buffalo ("Family Festival Night"), Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. versus Ball State ("WMU Homecoming"), and Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. versus defending MAC champion Marshall ("Hall of Fame Day"). All home games are played at Waldo Stadium.

Call 616 387-8092 for season and individual game ticket information.

Media contact:Daniel Jankowski, 616 387-4122; daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu


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