Aug. 8, 2008

Houston, Texas - University of Houston head football coach Kevin Sumlin announced that Saturday's 5:30 pm practice would be open to the public. The Cougars are slated to practice on the infield of the Carl Lewis International Track and Field Complex, which is directly behind the Athletics/Alumni Center.

The open practice is a prelude to the Sunday afternoon's UH Fan Appreciation Day, held from 11 am until 3 pm in the Yeoman Field House. The Cougars return to closed practices on Monday, August 11, with a 5:30 pm workout.

For the first time in 2008, the Cougars spent an entire practice in full pads, as UH worked out for over two hours in the heat and humidity. Sumlin is looking to see which of his players is ready to step up.

"As I said earlier, I am anxious to see how these guys react," Sumlin said. "Sometimes guys are different people once the pads on. Some guys keep playing (and) some guys disappear. So, we are anxious to see who gets better and who shies away from contact, and who really excels."

---www.UHCougars.com---