Football Hosts 'Colorado Cookout' Wednesday

BOULDER - To show appreciation for the student body's outstanding support last season and to provide a preview for the upcoming 2005 campaign, the University of Colorado football team will host the inaugural "Colorado Cookout" Wednesday at its afternoon practice session.

From 4:30-5:30 p.m., the first 1,000 CU students with a BuffOne card will receive a free hot dog and Pepsi while watching the Buffs in action.  Located at the bottom of the hill north of the stadium (behind the Dal Ward Athletic Center and parallel to Folsom Street), the practice fields will be vibrant with action as CU prepares for its annual spring game this Saturday (1:00 p.m.).

The contest is open to the public with free admission, just as are CU's three remaining spring practices.  The Buffs will drill Monday, Wednesday and Friday between approximately 3:30 and 5:45 p.m.  All events for the April 23 Black and Gold Game have been transferred from Folsom Field to the practice fields due to the reseeding of the stadium grass.

Coming off their third Big 12 North Division Championship in four years and a victory in the EV1.net Houston Bowl, the Buffs are primed to build on their 8-5 season.  With a team that boasts 21 seniors ? compared to last year's 12 ? CU returns 17 starters, including seven on offense and 10 on defense.

In addition, Colorado has six players with significant game experience, which means those players have started three or more career contests. Knowing this, CU students have reason to smile, and they will get a chance to do so early on while enjoying free food and refreshments Wednesday afternoon.