11 practices? Sounds like it's time for a press release!

We got a telegram from the UI sports department today:

HELLO FANS WE MISS YOU STOP ITS VERY HOT OUT STOP MORALE IS HIGH AFTER ELEVEN PRACTICES STOP ONLY DACE AND KANELLIS ARE INJURED HOPE THEY GET BACK SOON STOP SEE YOU SATURDAY STOP LOVE KIRK

Okay, so that's not what they sent out. It was a regular press release. Sadly.

The ICPC's HawkCentral.com released the sports information office's missive this afternoon, and all that stuff I listed above is literally the entirety of the useful information therein. The full text is as follows:

Iowa’s football team has completed 11 pre-season practice sessions (thru Tuesday) and Head Coach Kirk Ferentz likes the direction his team is moving in. And, he’s looking forward to Saturday’s open to the public scrimmage in Kinnick Stadium.

“We’ve got in 11 practice sessions,” said Ferentz. “Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the direction this team is headed. We’ve done a pretty good job working through some extreme heat. Despite the hot weather, our attitude has been good thus far.”

The Hawkeyes are keeping their fingers crossed on the injury front. Only two players have missed significant practice time in the pre-season camp.

“The only bad thing to report, at this point, is the fact we’ve had a couple of injuries to veteran players that has kept them out of competition for the majority of camp. Dace Richardson and Alex Kanellis have been out of practice the majority of the time back. We hope to get them back soon.”

The 2007 Hawkeyes will greet the public for the first time Saturday during a scrimmage open to the public at no charge. Gates (A, B & E) on the west side of Kinnick Stadium will open at 10 a.m. with practice set to begin at 11 a.m. The session is expected to last approximately two hours. Players will be available 30 minutes for autographs following practice. The concession stands will be open, selling products at a reduced cost.

“Hopefully we’ll have good weather Saturday,” said Ferentz. “We’re looking forward to a good scrimmage in front of a great crowd. I hope our fans take advantage of this opportunity. A good crowd will add to the environment for the players and make for a more spirited workout.”

The Hawkeyes open the season Sept. 1st against Northern Illinois at Chicago’s Soldier Field. The home opener is a week later against Syracuse (7:05 p.m.). Both games are sold out.