BREVARD, NC – When players reported Tuesday, they were greeted at J. A. Jones Library by virtually every department on campus, all sporting new CREEK Crew special edition solar eclipse shirts. In addition to moving into campus housing, the players spent time with campus life, compliance, athletic training, and the Director of Safety, Security and Risk Management – Stan Jacobsen.  After being immersed in the experiential learning process that is the hallmark of Brevard College, the players turned their attention to the football field on Thursday.

The football squad, in helmets, began practice in the afternoon as part of the NCAA mandated five-day acclimatization period.  Despite some steady drizzle throughout the session, head coach Bill Khayat was generally pleased with the performance of the first day. "The tempo was a touch slow, but considering that 75% of the players are new to the program, that was not surprising," said Khayat. "Overall, though, the effort was outstanding."

Defensive coordinator, Kurt Gouveia, noted the veteran leadership following the first day of practice. "Returning players had tremendous speed and confidence attacking the football," Gouveia said of the performance from the veterans.

Khayat also announced a new addition to the Tornados defensive staff. Ardandte Dawson, a native of Miami, FL, was named as defensive line coach. Dawson began his playing career at Louisville before transferring to Alabama A&M where he earned first team, All-SWAC defensive end honors. Coach Dawson arrives in Brevard with a long history of coaching in both the Chattanooga, TN and Miami, FL prep football ranks.

Be sure to follow BC Sports social media for further updates on the team's training camp progress as they prepare for the season and their opening contest at Davidson, September 2, 2017.