CONWAY, Ark. _ As usual, the opening of fall football camp for the University of Central Arkansas Bears just happens to coincide with the hottest week of the summer.

The Bears, under the direction of head coach Clint Conque, will report to campus Friday morning for their annual check-in process, where they will receive their equipment, attend various meetings and take care of required NCAA paperwork. The first practice of the year is set for 3:45 p.m. Saturday.

“We’re excited about starting fall camp,’ said Conque, who will lead the Bears into their home opener for the 12th time. “We’re excited because we feel like we have a real opportunity to have a good football team. Of course a lot of that depends on our health, the heat, how we approach each practice and each game, a lot of factors.

“We have to respect the process, going out and getting better each and every day, each and every practice, each and every meeting. We have to continually hit our standards as far as work ethic and dedication.’

The Bears will work once a day through Wednesday, which will be the first day of full pads. The first day of two-a-day practices is set for Thursday (1:30 and 8:30 p.m.). Scrimmages are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 20, both at 4 p.m. at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.

“We’re going to be smart with our players, as far as hydration and rest are concerned,’ said Conque. “The good thing is most of our players, more than 80 of them, have been here working out in the heat since the start of the second summer school term. They should be as adjusted to it as you can possibly by. But we still have to be careful.’

The Bears, who are allowed to open camp with 95 players under new NCAA rules (up from 90), will host Media Day activities on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Estes Stadium. Later that day, they will hold an Open House for the new purple and gray turf, which will include introduction of the seniors, the unveiling of the new Nike uniforms, a proclamation from the Conway Chanber of Commerce, free appetizers from JJ’s Grill and Chill and free “Fear the Stripes” T-shirts for the first 300 fans.

Photo opportunities on the new turf and interaction with the UCA coaches and players, along with kids’ 40-yard dash contests for prizes, will take place at the conclusion of the program.

Fans can also follow the Bears and head coach Clint Conque on Twitter , beginning on Friday.

UCA opens the 2011 season at home at First Security Field at Estes Stadium against Henderson State on Thursday, Sept. 1. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 852-2234 or clicking here.


UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Saturday 8/6 - 3:45 p.m.
Sunday 8/7 - 3:45 p.m.
Monday 8/8 - 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday 8/9 - 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday 8/10 - 3:45 p.m.
Thursday 8/11 - 1:30 & 8:30

Saturday 8/13 - 4 p.m. (Scrimmage)