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Wednesday, July 25, 2007: Training Camp News

University of Wisconsin–River Falls staff working the Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp gathered for a kick-off meeting today at Hunt Arena. More than 50 staff members, consisting of volunteers, residence hall staff, and interns filled the bleachers.

In place of the normal ice, flooring was laid down and the arena filled with strength training equipment. Several members of the Chiefs staff could be observed working out.

Camp Coordinator Larry Testa welcomed the crowd and introduced Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mary Halada. Halada, a former camp coordinator, spoke to those assembled about the many benefits the Chiefs bring with them to campus, including economic assistance in building the new locker rooms at the Athletic Complex, as well as national attention for River Falls as NFL Films tapes for HBO’s hit show, ‘Hard Knocks’.

Owen Stanley, athletic trainer for the Chiefs, also spoke, thanking everyone for their work at camp. Stanley explained his job with the Chiefs, then asked for some help in getting the attention of Cedric Smith, strength and conditioning coach, as he squatted a considerable amount of weights. Stanley counted to three, and UWRF staff chanted “Push it out, Ced!” Despite the noise, Smith remained intent on weight lifting, and Stanley quipped, “He’s just too focused.”

Camp Assistant Trevor Hetue then stepped forward with Volunteer Coordinator Brooke Eglinton to do a prize drawing and trivia contest. Deb Toftness, program assistant with the Public Affairs office, won the first prize: a signed 2005 Chiefs football. Other staff members answered questions like “Which player tried out for the Miami Heat?” and “Which regular season game sells the most tickets?” for key chains, koozies, hats, t-shirts, temporary tattoos, fuzzy dice, and pennants bearing the Chiefs logo.  (For those pondering the above questions, the answers were Tony Gonzales, and the Green Bay Packers game.)

Those gathered also viewed a Chiefs promotional video for the upcoming season. The video featured Head Coach Herm Edwards and introduced the plans for the new Arrowhead Stadium, to be completed in 2010. The presentation also highlighted various facts about the Chiefs, such as their previous 17 consecutive sold-out seasons, and that Arrowhead Stadium has been voted the hardest NFL stadium to play at. 

The meeting moved to the pavilion at Ramer Field as staff members were treated to a lunch catered by Chartwells.  Subs, chips, baked beans, and soda were served as workers gathered in the shade to escape the 88 degree heat and dew point of 70.

From their vantage points staff could view the work ground crews had been doing in preparation for the Chiefs arrival. Sleds with bright red faux players were out, various tents were erected, and goal posts have been erected on the front practice field. Signs were posted reminding visitors to stay off the grass and to leave their video cameras and bottles at home. Chiefs personnel parking has also been moved closer to the Athletic Complex due to a shift in the parking lot.

2007 Staff

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Dave Urbaniak (Defense), Amie Eller (Fans, Punt, Pass & Kick), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jennifer Pengra (Fans, Kids Days), Shawna Carpentier (Offense). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jens Gunelson (Photographer), Lisa Stratton (Fans, Web Site Editor), Deb Toftness (Office Manager). Not pictured is Zach Nagle (Student Photographer).