PROVO -- Fall camp officially began Monday as newcomers and veterans alike receiving physicals, attended numerous meetings and received their equipment. All totaled, 25 newcomers reported on Monday. That number is expected to increase to 26 by the end of the week when Junior-college transfer Chris Bolden will report to camp.
The first day of official practice will be tomorrow, Tuesday, August 9. Newcomers will practice tomorrow morning, while veteran players will practice later in the afternoon.
"It's a little overwhelming coming here right out of high school, but it's a great experience," freshman Shawn Doman said. "Fall camp will be a surprise. I'm sure it'll be pretty tough, but I think I'll learn how to play the game better."
The newcomers, including freshmen and transfers, started the day with physicals and then were fitted for pads, shoes and helmets. One of the team's equipment managers, Steve Bushman, said he could sense the anticipation in the players as he helped them find the right equipment.
"There's tons of excitement in these guys," he said. "They're ready to hit the field to work hard and prove they belong."
Director of football operations, Duane Busby, said that coach Bronco Mendenhall and the rest of the staff are taking special care to help the players and their families feel welcome at BYU. For the first time, families of the newcomers were invited to attend the team's orientation day.
"This has been unique because it's the first time we've had the families come," he said. "The players are greatly anticipating what is to come. Coach Mendenhall has laid out the expectations so that the players and their parents understand what will be expected."
Busby added that several of the newcomers will have the chance to come in and compete for playing time right from the beginning. He also noted that the newcomers and returning players will practice separately for the first two days to give the freshmen and transfers the chance to get caught up to speed.
Following the equipment issue, the newcomers attended a team dinner with the veterans. The returning players also went through a physical and attended meetings.
The experience has not only been new and exciting for the players, but for the parents as well. Carrie Luekenga, mother of Kyle Luekenga, said BYU is the best place for her son and that there is not another program in the country like it.
"I think I've died and gone to heaven," she said. "This has been an incredible experience. We have no worries that our son will be taken care of. All the coaches are great, not just Coach Mendenhall. The spirit and feeling here are wonderful. There's no comparison."
Junior punter Derek McLaughlin joins the Cougars this summer after transferring from the University of Washington and serving a Church mission. He said playing for BYU was something he dreamed about when he was young. Although he was not recruited by the Cougars out of high school, the opportunity came while serving his mission.
"I lost my scholarship at Washington because I went on my mission, and then BYU became interested," McLaughlin said. "I found out what Coach Mendenhall was doing here and it felt right. I think we're going to surprise a lot of people. There's a different air here, there's more intensity and unity."
Freshman defensive back Aaron Attig is another newcomer who has been dreaming about donning the blue and white his whole life.
"There are a lot of expectations here and it's intense," he said. "It's going to be a lot of hard work. Coach Mendenhall is incredible and he has a goal and he won't rest until he reaches it."
