Aug. 10, 2001

Waco, Texas - All 79 members of Baylor's football varsity reported to campus Friday, joining 26 newcomers who had arrived earlier in the week to begin preparations for the 2001 season.

"They're all here, and they look ready to go," Head Coach Kevin Steele said. "We can't wait to get started."

The Bear veterans went through team meetings Friday night. Saturday is media day, while Sunday will be spent at church and in afternoon meetings. The first day of full-squad workouts is Monday, which begins a week of two-a-day practices.

The first-year players reported Tuesday and have gone through four practice sessions, including a pair of workouts on Friday. Steele's positive initial impression has been reinforced during that time.

"If anything, they have performed even better than we had hoped, and we had pretty high expectations for this group. They have displayed a willingness to learn and work that will fit right in with our upperclassmen."

Baylor opens the 2001 season Sept. 8 at home against Arkansas State.