Aug. 26, 2004

Fort Collins - More than 250 Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce members heard three Colorado State head coaches summarize their expectations for the upcoming fall season. Football coach Sonny Lubick, volleyball coach Tom Hilbert, and cross country coach Del Hessel all exuded optimism about the 2004 season during the 90-minute luncheon at the University Park Holiday Inn. The first-ever Chamber of Commerce Kickoff Luncheon also featured comments by Mark Driscoll, the school's athletic director, as well as the chamber's executive director, David May, and president Stu MacMillan. May said the success of the first-year event prompted him to make it an annual event. "I'm pleased with the turnout. We're going to make this an annual event," May said. "We're pleased with our partnership with CSU." May said his excitement about CSU's program runs deeper than success on the field, court, or track in praising the three head coaches and athletics director. "What impresses me about these guys is they are not only fine coaches, but are fine people." Driscoll reviewed the program's new "Game Day Fort Collins" and "Ram Zone" plans for home football games. "We have a lot of new and exciting things going on," he said. "We have had an exciting atmosphere at the games. This is going to make it a great atmosphere throughout the city. There are a number of new things, including a new look at the stadium." Colorado State's football team continues workouts in preparation for the opener Sept. 4 at the University of Colorado. Kickoff time is 6 p.m. Mountain Time (Fox Sports Network; Colorado State Sports Network). Lubick said he's pleased to date with the team's progress. "I like the attitude of the football team. One thing I've learned at CSU more than any other place I've been: Don't sell your players short. Our players find a way to get it done. We have a chance to be a good ballclub." The team will practice Thursday and Friday afternoon, then stage a 9 a.m. session at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Fans attending the workout must enter through Gate 4 or Gate 5 at the stadium due to ongoing construction during the renovation and expansion of the stadium. More than 4,000 permanent bleacher seats in the north end zone and two new scoreboards - including a new video board - have already been installed at the stadium as part of a $15.2 million plan funded through a donation by the Bohemian Foundation. Colorado State is chasing a sixth consecutive bowl appearance in 2004. Colorado State's volleyball team opens the season Friday night in the NACWAA Classic Tournament against the University of Minnesota at 7:30p.m. in Moby Arena. Defending national champion Southern California faces Georgia Tech at 5 p.m. in the other first-round matchup. Losers (5 p.m.) and winners (7:30 p.m.) meet Saturday night. The Rams are chasing their 10th NCAA bid in 2004. Hilbert said this weekend's tournament brings together four of the nation's top teams. Southern California is ranked No. 1, Minnesota fifth, Georgia Tech 11th and Colorado State 12th in the preseason poll. "This is the most prestigious preseason volleyball tournament in America," said Hilbert. The Rams' cross country teams - who both qualified for the NCAA Championships a year ago - open the season Sept. 3 in the Wyoming Invitational. "Running is mental toughness and training," Hessel said. "You have to keep the team together, train together, and race together. That's what I coach, that's what I teach." The Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, which is this year celebrating its 100th year of existence, will be recognized at the Rams' football home opener Sept. 18 against the University of Minnesota at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. More than 400 chamber members are expected to attend the game. Tickets for the game - which begins at 8 p.m. (ESPN2; Colorado State Sports Network) are available by calling 1-800-491-RAMS, or online at CSURAMS.com. Tickets are also available at all King Soopers and City Market grocery store locations throughout the state of Colorado.