CHICAGO, Ill. — History continued to unfold Thursday as Chicago State Football officially completed its first day of fall camp, marking another milestone in preparation for the program's inaugural season this fall.
With the season opener now just one month away, the Cougars took the field with energy, focus and purpose as Head Coach Bobby Rome II and his staff led the team through the opening practice of preseason camp. Players participated in position work, individual drills, special teams instruction and team periods as the coaching staff began evaluating the roster ahead of the program's historic first campaign.
For many student-athletes, Thursday represented the culmination of months of preparation dating back to spring practice, offseason strength and conditioning, and summer workouts.
"Our first day of fall camp was about setting the standard," said Head Coach Bobby Rome II. "Our players have invested a tremendous amount of work to reach this point, and now the focus shifts to competing every day, building consistency and preparing to represent Chicago State University the right way. There is a great deal of excitement around this program, but we know our success will be determined by the work we put in over the next several weeks."
The Cougars enter camp with a roster that has steadily grown since the program's launch, combining experienced transfers and talented newcomers who will make up the first football team in modern Chicago State history.
Throughout preseason camp, the coaching staff will continue installing offensive, defensive and special teams systems while emphasizing execution, discipline and physicality. Practices over the coming weeks will prepare the Cougars for their historic season opener on Saturday, Aug. 29, when Chicago State hosts Roosevelt University at 12 p.m. inside SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
The inaugural season represents a landmark moment not only for Chicago State Athletics but also for the South Side of Chicago, as the university brings NCAA Division I football to its campus community for the first time.
Fans can follow the Cougars throughout fall camp by visiting GoCSUCougars.com and following @ChiStateCougars across all social media platforms.
Premium seating and single-game tickets are available now. For ticket information, visit GoCSUCougars.com/Tickets, call 773-995-2296, or email
GoCSUTix@csu.edu.
