PINE BLUFF, Ark. - A $2.5 million Simmons Bank gift for upgrades to football and baseball athletics facilities at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has sparked excitement and created buzz in Pine Bluff, but when it comes down to football, opening day of camp with pads just weeks away from the season opener comes awfully close.

"For the most part, there was a lot of intensity and a lot of enthusiasm," said first year head coach Cedric Thomas, who returned to his alma mater after 20 years (from first stepping on campus) to take control of the football program.

"The guys flew around well, and that was the biggest thing," said Coach Thomas. "It's always like that on the first day; players are excited to get out and get between the lines and have a little recess."

Regarding the scorching summer days in Arkansas, Coach Thomas understands first hand just how hot it can get in Pine Bluff during the month August (Monday's high was 94 degrees)

"I thought they responded well to the heat; it was pretty hot," said Thomas. "We are working on mental toughness, so I think they did a great job of dealing with the elements."

Coach Thomas and his new coaching staff are aiming for a championship, but according to the first year head coach, he says "championship" is more of a mindset than anything.

"Championship doesn't necessarily entail a trophy or any type of representation as far as a physical object; it is more of a mindset," said Thomas. "I want to be able to compete on and off the field with a championship attitude, which means doing things right both on and off the football field. From the spring to now, the maturation process of these young men has been 10 times above the level in which we thought, so we are really excited about the season. We still have a long way to go, but we are up for the challenge. Right now, I like the place we are in."


Interviews

During the season, every interview of UAPB players and coaches must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through the Sports Information Office.

Interviews with players and coaches are permitted following weekly media luncheons and practices on each Tuesday and Thursday prior to a game on Saturday. In the event that some games are scheduled during the week, interview schedules and media access will be altered.

UAPB football practices are generally open to the media and the public. Contact Habtom Keleta (keletah@uapb.edu) or Cameo Stokes (Cameo.Stokes@gmail.com) for a daily schedule.

Telephone interviews for out-of-town media can be arranged on Tuesday and Wednesday following each practice through the Sports Information Office. No player interviews can be conducted during regular class hours.

Members of the media can click here to fill out a media credential form in order to secure press passes for home games.

The Golden Lions football team kicks off the 2018 season on the brand new turf at Simmons Bank Field on Saturday, September 1. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. against Morehouse College. Click here to view the 2018 UAPB football schedule in its entirety.