Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Return To Practice Monday
8/22/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 22, 2005
Fort Collins - Colorado State University's football team returns to the practice field Monday to continue preparations for the team's opening game, now less than two weeks away.
The Rams, for the first time this preseason, will turn thoughts toward game-type preparations for the first game against the University of Colorado in Boulder Sept. 3.
When the Rams take the field Monday, the team will be without the services of safety Ben Stratton, a senior from Cheyenne, Wyo. Stratton injured his left knee last week, and underwent tests over the weekend.
Coach Sonny Lubick said Monday that Stratton has a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and will miss the entire 2005 season. He is expected to begin rehabilitation of the injury immediately, then undergo surgery in the near future. Stratton, a three-year starter in the secondary, will redshirt and have one remaining year of eligibility in 2006.
"You hate to have it happen to anyone, but especially to someone like Ben Stratton," Lubick said Monday morning. "He has worked so hard, and has been so dedicated and committed to our football program. He exemplifies what we expect our student-athletes to be in our program. It's a tough loss for us, but the other players will have to step up in Ben's absence."
Stratton is among a handful of players sidelined by injury. Offensive guard Brandon Alconcel (knee), defensive ends Terrance Carter (concussion) and Matt Rupp (hamstring), safety Lukas Davis (knee), and defensive tackle Shawn McGoveran (concussion) continue to be absent from drills. Several others, including starting offensive tackle Mike Brisiel (ankle) and center Albert Bimper (knee) are expected back in action Monday afternoon.
Colorado State opens the season Sept. 3 against the University of Colorado in Boulder. Kickoff time is 1:30 p.m. The game will be shown live by TBS, and can be heard on the Colorado State Sports Network including flagship station KCOL (600 AM) in Fort Collins and KNUS (710 AM) in Denver. Rich Bircumshaw calls the play-by-play, Erik Olson is the analyst, and Brian Roth provides sideline reports. Kevin McGlue is the game producer.
Tickets to all five of CSU's home games in 2005 - including dates with Front Range rivals Air Force and Wyoming, along with Utah, San Diego State, and Nevada, are on sale by calling 1-800-491-RAMS, or online at CSURams.com. Single-game tickets are also available at all King Soopers and City Market grocery store locations throughout the state of Colorado.
Colorado State opens the home schedule Sept. 24, playing host to the University of Nevada in the newly-renovated Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Game time is 4 p.m.
