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Sunday, July 30, 2006, Afternoon
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

There is a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. for River Falls. A heat index of 110 degrees was pushing fans away this afternoon, as attendance was down over 200 from what it was this morning. There was a cool breeze coming from the SSE at 9mph, but clear, sunny skies and humidity at 63 percent kept it hot.

Extra...Extra

Each summer on average, River Falls has 14 days where the temperature reaches over 90 degrees. According to Twin Cities Weather Service, today is the 19th day already this summer that has reached that level. In 2005, there were only three days recorded that were that hot. The record was in 1988, when there was a whopping 44 days where the temperature was over 90 degrees. Hopefully, this summer won't be the one to break it.

Special Teams

This afternoon’s practice featured a lot of punt and kick-off coverage drills. Special Teams Coach Mike Priefer was bouncing around the field, yelling out plays and giving his opinion on player performances when needed. “Catch the freaking ball,” yelled Priefer when punt returner Kyle Brown dropped a punt. Energetic and comedic defensive end Jared Allen brought a few laughs to the steamy practice by scorching down the field on punt coverage drills, screaming at the top of his lungs.

Getting looks at punt and kick returns today were Brown, cornerback Chris Johnson, wide receiver Nate Curry and running back McKenzi Smith. Pro Bowl kick returner Dante Hall got the most work out of the group.

Punter Dustin Colquitt looked fresh at today’s practice, punting the ball 20 times for a whopping average of 55 yards. That number is a bit misleading considering there were no returns today, but nonetheless he appeared to have a lively leg that got good remarks from coach Priefer after practice: “Dustin looks more mature and his leg seems to be getting much stronger.” Practice was highlighted by a punt from Colquitt that traveled 102 yards.

Another highlight came when wide receiver Jeris McIntyre made an outstanding play on coverage by stopping the ball on the 1-yard line and preventing the punt from being a touchback.

After practice, Priefer spent a few moments fielding questions from the media. Priefer strongly stated that he felt this will be the year that Dante Hall returns to being the Pro Bowl player he once was. Priefer said with a sigh of relief, “I’m just happy I don’t have to worry about playing against him anymore, like last year with the Giants.” Coaching with the New York Giants the last three years, Priefer spent sleepless nights before games against the Chiefs, trying to figure out how to the stop the speedy return man.

Priefer also stated that he thought kicker Lawrence Tyne’s leg looked very strong in drills today.

Safeties Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page, drafted this year, appear to have Priefer’s confidence. “They like to hit, they’re smart and most importantly they love to play football. Special teams players have to love to play football.” If that opinion holds true, you can expect to see both players get a lot of time on special teams.

Fans

Brian Zimmerman and Brianne Hinz of Kansas City are first-timers this summer at camp. They drove up to see friends who live in the Twin Cities area, and decided they should come to see the Chiefs as long as they were just across the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, in River Falls. They’ve been to camp a few different days now, but today has definitely been the hottest. They really enjoy the River Falls community. Zimmerman said it’s definitely a nice town, “It’s neat to get away from the metro.” He also said he likes how Coach Herm Edwards runs things, “[Dick] Vermeil cried too much.”

Cameron and Shelly Wiggins are Chiefs season ticket holders, but are seeing them in River Falls for the first time ever. They are already having such a good time that they plan on returning year after year. Cameron had a few thoughts on Edwards, “He pays a lot more attention to detail [than Vermeil]. Execution is key.”

Jared Brewster, 11, is excited to see defensive end Jared Allen this year. They have the same name, play the same position and Brewster is even willing to change his number to be more like Allen. Brewster came to camp this year with dad Ellis, mom Denise, and sister Nikki, 7, who was decked out in Chiefs’ tattoos. They made the drive up from Liberty, Mo. Nikki and Jared’s favorite part of camp is getting to meet the players and getting their autographs. The Brewsters think they will be returning again next year because “River Falls has such a nice campus. Everyone is really friendly,” stated Denise.

Riley Schmitz, 11, and Brian Casello, 12, from River Falls, both love coming to training camp each summer. This is Schmitz’s third year at camp and Casello’s second. Their friend Dillon Anderson, 14, from Baldwin, Wis., also enjoys watching practice at his second year at camp. Schmitz likes it when everyone from Kansas City comes to River Falls. He said, “I like it when the Chiefs are in town because it is less boring, and I like to watch my favorite players.” Some of those players include running back Larry Johnson and running back Priest Holmes. Some of Casello’s and Anderson’s favorite players include running back Larry Johnson, quarterback Trent Green, tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receiver Dante Hall. Casello was very excited to receive autographs from Gonzalez, Green and Johnson, while Anderson was thrilled to shake hands with Head Coach Herm Edwards.

Deb Kittilson, from Prescott, Wis., was present at today’s practice. Kittilson, who is in her fourth year as a volunteer for Chiefs security, was fully decked out in her Chiefs gear. She has been coming to the training camp as long as she’s been a volunteer, and enjoys seeing the rookies, drills, plays, and the communication between the coach and the team. Kittilson loves working security, and has become good friends with other security staff. She was even invited to watch a home opener from the field at Arrowhead Stadium last year. Kittilson also enjoys working at Family Fun Night, and is looking forward to the upcoming event this Saturday.

It is the fifth year that Joe McCollins and his son Dustin, 9, have come from Kansas City to watch their favorite NFL team practice in River Falls. The McCollins' come to camp each year to see their favorite players, including quarterback Trent Green, tight end Tony Gonzalez, running back Larry Johnson, and wide receiver Dante Hall. Dustin is disappointed about not seeing running back Priest Holmes this summer, but is excited to see new Coach Herm Edwards on the practice field.

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Sara Dehn (Senior Day), Amie Eller (Kids' Days), John Hepokoski (sidelines), Holly Sigler (photographs), Jude Harder (fans, Punt, Pass & Kick). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Kat Krtnick (sidelines), Deb Toftness (Office Manager), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jens Gunelson (University Photographer).

Chiefs fans! Make sure you tune in to the 2006 Daily Updates page on a regular basis. We will be posting sidelines and fans information after each practice while the Chiefs are in camp.