TOWSON, Md. -- After a weekend full of player and coaches meetings, head coach Gordy Combs, his staff and the team took to Minnegan Field today to begin preparation for the 2008 season. Spirits ran high as the weather cut the team a break and remained relatively cool for this time of year. Summer officially ended when coach Combs huddled the team as practice number one began.

Ever since the 2007 season came to an end, preparation was under way for the season opener against Navy in Annapolis. Spring practice focused on it, the talk during summer conditioning was about it and while it may not have been spoken about at practice number one of the 2008 season, the feeling was definitely in the air.

"The signifgance of the game [with Navy] is a lot more important than the game itself," explained coach Combs. "It gages how far we have gone as a program. We have come a long way, from Galludet to Navy."

The Tigers began their 39th season today with coach Combs being a part of the program. Many coaches come to expect a lot of mobility in their future when they first start out. Coach Combs has not exactly had mobility in the sense of changing programs, but Towson has changed drastically since he first arrived; the different divisions, the different conferences and the different facilities.

"Sometimes I look at this facility and i have to pinch myself," said coach Combs.

Fortunately, after a long hard practice there is not much to report. Coach Combs considered the day a success because they did not lose anyone to injury. HIs coordinators may disagree with the opening game just 26 days away. But I think all would agree summer is officially over and football has officially begun.