August 7, 2008

Bismarck ND – The 2008 Marauders football season is officially underway. U-Mary held its annual football media day luncheon today prior to 150 student-athletes taking the gridiron later this afternoon.

The theme of opening day was “no complacency,” as Marauders head coach Myron Schulz addressed a crowd of over 60 U-Mary fans and media members. After finishing second in U-Mary’s first season competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, Schulz stressed that the team must continue to work even harder than before to achieve the desired results. One change was the fact nearly 40 Marauders remained in Bismarck during the summer to work out together, sacrificing the opportunity to spend more time at home with family and friends.

Defensive Coordinator Mike McMahon instructs the defensive backs in coverage techniques.

In addition to Schulz, offensive coordinator Chris Fisk and defensive coordinator Mike McMahon broke down their respective sides of the ball. Two seniors, quarterback Jesse Kozak and linebacker Chris Moody, provided the player perspective.

Senior quarterback Jesse Kozak is interviewed about the upcoming season during the first day of practice.

 
The season opener is just three weeks away. The Marauders will host the Eagles of Chadron State College at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, at the Bismarck Community Bowl. Here are a few key dates for the 2008 season:

• “Meet the Marauders” is set for Tuesday, August 19, at the Community Bowl. Tailgating begins at 5:00 p.m. Famous Dave’s will provide free meals to the first 250 children 18 years old and younger. The team’s intrasquad scrimmage is at 7 p.m., and fans can meet the players and get autographs following the scrimmage.
• U-Mary opens the season 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, at the Community Bowl when the Marauders host Chadron State College, the nation’s fifth-ranked team and an elite eight playoff participant at the end of the 2007 season.
• Homecoming is October 4 when the Marauders host Concordia-St. Paul at 1 p.m.
• Two games are set to be televised by KFYR-TV, the Thursday night Northern State contest in Aberdeen, SD, on October 16 and the home contest against St. Cloud State on October 25.

For an early look at the 2008 Marauders, check out the mini media guide.