Football is here folks!!!

NFL training camps slowly opened up across the country a week back.  I was able to spend a couple of days in Green Bay watching the Packers prepare for the 2009 season.  If I was in the business of making predictions, I’d have to give the Minnesota Vikings the edge to repeat as NFC North champions, but I would not look past a Green Bay team who finally has the luxury of a distraction free camp (minus B.J. Raji taking his time getting his contract done).

Then yesterday the Wisconsin Badgers football team took to the practice field for the first time this summer.  I can’t remember expectations being so low for Bucky in recent memory.  Many predictions have them finishing in the bottom half of the Big 10.  We’ll have to see if a weak non-conference schedule can give a young team some confidence going into an always tough conference schedule.  And what a stadium the Minnesota Gophers will be moving into.  That will only help Tim Brewster build up a rising program.

Speaking of the Gophers brings me to my final point.  Wisconsin high school football practices kicked off today and we begin one of my favorite sports seasons with a story tonight during our 6 PM and 10 PM sportscasts of a future Minnesota Gopher.  Logan offensive and defensive tackle Matt Eggen has given his verbal commitment to the university.  Eggen will be a big piece (literally, he’s six-foot-five and 290 pounds…believe it or not, his college coaches wouldn’t mind seeing him tack on another 30 pounds) of a Rangers team that finished as MVC co-champs last year.  It’s always great seeing local kids who will be moving on to play Division I athletics.

We’ll try to get to as many teams these next couple of weeks before our first Friday night Highlight Zone.  If there are any good stories or standout athletes from your team, please email me at gwavrunek@wkbt.com, or you can leave a message below under the comments section.

Friday, August 28th is right around the corner.  I know I can’t wait!!!