Fulton, Mo. - Between 80-90 players are expected to report Wednesday when football camp opens at Westminster College.

The Blue Jays went 8-2 overall and tied for second in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference standings at 7-2 last year. The eight wins are the third most ever in a season and the third time the Blue Jays have won eight games in a season in the 51-year history of the program.

With six players returning on defense and eight starters returning on offense, Westminster should contend for the UMAC title in 2012. Westminster led the UMAC and finished #20 nationally in the NCAA Division III in total defense, allowing 276 yards a game. The 2011 Westminster offence finished 80th nationally, averaging 374.6 yards a game. Enough depth returns on defense and offense to keep the Blue Jays in the hunt if the team can weather a schedule which includes just four home games and four road games in the first six weeks of the season.

Upcoming Practice Schedule:
Wednesday, Aug. 8 - Practice #1, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 9 - Practice #2, 3:00 p.m. (Helmets)
Friday, Aug. 10 - Practice #3, 8:30 a.m. (Shells)
Saturday, Aug. 11 - Practice #4, 8:30 a.m. (Shells)
Sunday, Aug. 12 - Practice #5, 5:30 a.m. (Full Pads)
Monday, Aug. 13 – Practice #6, 5:30 a.m. (Full Pads)
                Practice #7, 3:30 p.m. (Shells)
Tuesday, Aug. 14 - Practice #8, 5:30 a.m. (Full Pads)
Wednesday, Aug. 15 - Practice #9, 5:30 a.m. (Full Pads)
                Practice #10, 6:00 p.m.