The Portland State football team received a welcome surprise this morning when, 20 minutes into practice, Head Coach
Nigel Burton gave them the day off. Not surprisingly, the team cheered and sprinted off the already steamy Stott Field turf in case the coach changed his mind.
Burton decided it was time to reward his team for its hard work through the first 13 practices so far in camp. So, in a surprise to all, he cancelled Thursday's workout on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year in Portland (102). Instead, the team moved on to an alternate function for the afternoon.
The Vikings will return for a double practice on Friday, then scrimmage on Saturday morning.
VIKINGS IN THE NEWS
Kerry Eggers' feature on Zach Brown in the Portland Tribune.
Ian Ruder's feature on Marquis Jackson in Friday's edition of the Oregonian.
GAME TIME CHANGE
The Portland State football game at Northern Arizona on Sept. 29 has been changed to 2 p.m. Originally it was scheduled for 4 p.m. The 2 p.m. start is to accommodate a Fox Sports Arizona Plus television broadcast which can be picked up on DirecTV and other satellite operators. Air time for Freedom 970 AM radio will be 1 p.m. for the pregame show and 2 p.m. for kickoff.
SCRIMMAGE THIS SATURDAY
Portland State will scrimmage again this Saturday at Stott Community Field. Practice begins at 10:30 a.m. with the scrimmage set for approximately 11 a.m.
VIKING FOOTBALL ALUMNI DAY
Portland State football will host Alumni Day at the Aug. 18 scrimmage at Stott Community Field. PSU football alums are invited to attend practice and the scrimmage. Afterward, PSU will host a barbecue for all football alums and an opportunity to meet the team and coaches.
MEET THE VIKS DAY ON AUG. 25
Portland State football will host a "Meet The Viks" youth day following practice on Aug. 25 at Stott Community Field. PSU will practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All youth football teams are invited to attend. Following practice at 1 p.m., youth players will take part in a mini-camp. At 2 p.m. there will be a fan fest, including autograph signings, poster giveaways, and other kid activities.
PORTLAND STATE PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Aug. 17 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 18 10:30-1 p.m., scrimmage begins approximately 11 a.m.
Aug. 19 Off Day
Aug. 20 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 21 10:30-1 p.m.
Aug. 22 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 23 10:30-1 p.m.
Aug. 24 3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 11 a.m.
