Thunderbirds training camp opens August 16th

Vancouver, BC – The UBC Thunderbirds are set to kickoff the 2013 season when training camp opens Friday August 16.

Following testing Friday morning, the team will head up to Quest University in Squamish, BC for the first two nights of training camp and then will return to UBC following practice on Sunday.

Two-a-days will continue through Thursday August 22 in preparation for an exhbition game in Saskatoon on Friday August 23 against the University of Saskatchewan. After returning home, the ‘Birds will get back to their regular season practice schedule at Thunderbird Stadium. It all gets going for real on Saturday August 31 when UBC plays host to the reigning five-time defending Canada West Champion University of Calgary to kickoff the 2013 regular season. Game time is 2:00 pm at Thunderbird Stadium.

Head coach Shawn Olson enters his fourth season at the helm and is excited to get things started after a long time off.

“I believe everything is won and lost in the off season and this year we have had our best off season under my watch,” said Shawn Olson. “From recruiting, to training, to our players taking ownership of the program, these guys have dedicated themselves to improving and preparing to be a contender in 2013. We have improved significantly on defence and have the potential to impress on offence and I’m eager to see how all our hard work translates to the field come August 31.”

2013 Training Camp Schedule
Friday August 16 – Opening Day at UBC (administration, testing, team event, bus to Squamish)

Saturday August 17 – Quest University, Squamish, BC – Practices 9am, 11am, & 7pm

Sunday August 18 – Quest University, Squamish, BC – Practices 9am & 11am

Monday August 19 – Thursday August 22 – Thunderbird Stadium – Practices 10am & 4pm

Friday August 23 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Exhibition game at the University of Saskatchewan, 6:00 pm

Saturday August 24 – Thunderbird Stadium – Practice 4pm

Sunday August 25 – Friday August 30 – Thunderbird Stadium – Practice 5pm

Saturday August 31 – Regular Season Home Opener vs. University of Calgary, 2pm Thunderbird Stadium

Photo credit: Bob Fird

Source:  UBC Thunderbirds Sports Information Website