TOWSON, Md. ? For Rob Ambrose, the new football coach at Towson University, the anticipation and planning are almost over. After months of preparation and hiring a new coaching staff, he will hold his first spring practice session on Friday, March 27. The Tigers are tentatively scheduled to hold their first practice session at Burdick Field on Friday at 4:00 p.m.

“We're going back to where this program started,” says Coach Ambrose. “From 1969 to 1978, Burdick Field was the home of Tiger football. We want to start Spring Practice with a ?throwback' feel. I believe our older football alumni might enjoy seeing us back there.”

The Tigers are scheduled to have 15 practice sessions leading up to the Spring Game which is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 in Johnny Unitas® Stadium.

Not surprisingly, Coach Ambrose is very eager for Spring Practice to start.

“We are very anxious to put on the pads and see what we've got here,” says Ambrose. “We want to find out what these players are made of. Going into Spring practice, we are focusing greatly on our players' attitudes and techniques. We will concentrate on schemes later.

“Our team is going to play hard and play fast. We are determined to finish everything on both sides of the ball and that is one of the ways we are going to change our culture - Pursue excellence.”

“This is a great opportunity for all the players in our program,” he adds. “We have zero pre-conceived notions about anyone. Every player starts with a clean slate. This is a new beginning and everyone has a fresh, enthusiastic attitude.”

Coach Ambrose and his staff have inherited a group of 45 veterans from a team that posted a 3-9 record last season. The Tigers were 6-17 over the last two years and had a 2-14 record in Colonial Athletic Association play.

Offensively, the Tigers return seven starters from a unit that averaged more than 20 points per game. Although Towson lost all-time passing leader Sean Schaefer and career pass receiving leader Marcus Lee to graduation, they have a number of experienced veterans. Offensive tackles Dan Bridges (6-6, 290, Sr.) and Hank Glackin (6-6, 265, So.) are back on the offensive line. Bridges has been a three-year starter while Glackin was a started as a true freshman. Offensive center Steve Jordan (6-3, 280, Jr.) and offensive guard Chris Ritter (6-3, 275, Jr.) rank among the veteran offensive linemen.

Wide receiver Casey Cegles (5-10, 187, Sr.) and tight end John Godlasky (6-4, 240, Sr.) return as two of the Tigers' top receiving threats. The Tigers also return David Newsome (5-9, 185, Sr.) and Steve Holmes (5-10, 180, Jr.) as two of their top receiving threats.

Tailback Matt Castor (5-10, 205, Sr.) is the Tigers' most experienced running back after leading the team with 543 yards rushing and five touchdowns in 2008.

On defense, the Tigers return linebackers Alex Butt (6-2, 218, Sr.) and Donte Blakey (6-0, 230, Jr.) along with cornerbacks Jeremy Gardner (5-10, 187, Jr.) and Ollie Thomas (5-8, 190, Jr.). On the defensive line, Yaky Ibia (6-2, 295, Jr.) and Rob Osborne (6-0, 270, So.) are the top veterans.

With his coaching staff completed, Coach Ambrose is anxious to get on the playing field and start preparation for next season.

“We have an outstanding coaching staff in place,” he says. “Our coaches are the type of people who thrive on challenge. They feel that this is more than just a job. With this staff, it's a pleasure to come to work every day.”

The Tigers' Tentative Spring Practice schedule:

Fri., March 27 - Burdick Field  (4:00 p.m).

Sat., March 28 - COACHES' CLINIC ? Lower Field (2:30 p.m.)

Tue., March 31 - Johnny Unitas ® Stadium  (4:30 p.m.)

Thu., April  2 - Lower Field (3:45 p.m.)

Sat., April  4  - Lower Field (8:15 a.m.)

Tue., April  7 - Lower Field (3:45 p.m.)

Thu., April  9 - Lower Field (3:45 p.m.)

Sat., April 11 - Johnny Unitas ® Stadium (8:15 a.m.)

Tue., April 14 - Lower Field (3:45 p.m.)

Thu., April 16 - Lower Field (3:45 p.m.)

Sat., April 18 - Lower Field (8:15 a.m.)

Tue., April 21 - Johnny Unitas ® Stadium (4:30 p.m.)

Thu., April 23 - Lower Field (3:45 p.m.)

Fri., April 24 - Johnny Unitas ® Stadium (4:30 p.m.)

Sat., April 25 - SPRING GAME ? Johnny Unitas ® Stadium  (1:30 p.m.)                   

All of the Tigers' Spring Practice sessions are subject to change due to weather conditions. All Towson football alumni and friends of Tiger Football are invited to attend practice session and need to contact Rich Bader (410-704-3156) in advance of practice sessions.

All media should contact Dan O'Connell (410-704-3102), Towson University Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations, prior to attending Spring Practice sessions.