Football training camp begins today

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/marauders_huddle.jpg” caption=”Marauders football players huddle together.”]The McMaster Marauders began its 104th football training camp and 75th season this morning (Monday, Aug. 22).
The team will train until its first game on Monday, Sept. 5 against the University of Windsor at 2 p.m. at the University of Windsor stadium. The home opener will take place Sat. Sept. 10 against Ottawa at 2 p.m.
McMaster looks to recapture the Yates Cup they won four consecutive times (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) before suffering a defeat at the hands of Wilfrid Laurier (31-19) last season.
McMaster returns perhaps the most dominant defensive front in Canada. The McMaster defense is led by first team All-Canadian, OUA Presidents Trophy winner and fourth-year senior Jason Pottinger at linebacker. The linebacker core is also bolstered by fifth-year senior, and two-time first team OUA all-star Tristan Clovis.
The McMaster defensive line is anchored by fourth-year senior, second team All-Canadian and first team OUA all-star Jeff Robertshaw at defensive end, who was second in the Nation in sacks with 8.5. The defensive line will be shored up by fourth-year senior, second team All-Canadian and first team OUA all-star Andrew Jones at defensive tackle.
The McMaster offense will return a strong offensive line, led by fifth-year senior J.P. Circelli at centre. Support will be provided by fourth-year tackle, and East West Bowl participant Peter Hogarth and third-year guard and second-team OUA all-star Kyle Koch. Fourth-year senior Kyle Sanderson will return to the offensive line having lined up on the defensive side of the ball last season.
The McMaster offense will be powered by third-year quarterback Adam Archibald, who is looking to cement his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. The McMaster receivers will be led by fifth-year senior and two-time OUA all-star Vaughan Swart. Depth at the receiver position will be provided by East West Bowl game selections in fifth-year senior Konrad Gloge and fourth-year senior Jon Behie.
McMaster will look to establish a CIS record for single game attendance on Sept. 17, 2005 as a part of the first ever CFL/CIS doubleheader. The day will feature McMaster hosting The University of Western Ontario, followed by the CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats squaring off against the Calgary Stampeders.
McMaster will play all home games in 2005 and 2006 at Ivor Wynne Stadium. McMaster received a historic donation of $10 Million from Ron Joyce, founder of Tim Hortons and will begin construction of a new $13-million stadium in the spring of 2006.