July 22, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's 2008 football season is just days away.

In 13 days, the Wildcats report to Evanston and begin their first official workout at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4 in Evanston. Four days later, Northwestern moves its preseason football camp to Kenosha, Wis., for 10 full days of practice, starting Aug. 9. This is the 17th straight year the Wildcats have held part of their preseason camp at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus.

"Having experienced Camp Kenosha as both a player and as a coach, I can tell you the time spent away from everyday distractions and the ability to concentrate just on football is invaluable," says third-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald. "The accommodations, hospitality and the facilities provided by the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Carthage College are second to none, which allows us to focus on becoming the best football team we can be for the upcoming season."

Northwestern then returns to Evanston on Aug. 19 to prepare for its Aug. 30 opener vs. Syracuse (11 a.m. CT, ESPN2).

The following is Northwestern's Kenosha practice schedule. (All practices take place at UW-Parkside, unless otherwise noted. Closed practices -- to both media and the public -- are also noted.)

NOTE: All practices, other than the Aug. 16 scrimmage, are CLOSED to the general public. For high school coaches, scouts, friends of the program, etc., wishing to attend practice, please contact Niel Stopczynski (Email: stopczynski@northwestern.edu) in the NU football office (847-491-7274) for a practice credential.

The Wildcats will hold their first five practices in Evanston (starting at 4 p.m. on Aug. 4) before heading north.

All practice times and location subject to change

Directions to UW-Parkside: Take I-94 WEST to Highway E. Go east on Highway E, approximately 4.9 miles, to County Highway JR (Petrifying Springs Road). Go left on County Highway JR (Petrifying Springs Road), approximately 200 yards, to the UW-Parkside athletic department. Football fields are located approximately 300 yards east of the athletic department.

Directions to Carthage: Follow the above directions to UW-Parkside. Instead of making the left to the UW-Parkside campus, follow Highway E to Sheridan Road. At Sheridan, go right. Approximately two miles down on the left will be the Carthage College athletic facilities.