Updates from Vikings Training Camp

Well we are 6 days into training camp and we thought we would give you a look at how is set up and run at MSU. The players are each given a bike which they are responsible to lock up and care for. Which the rookies always loose cuz the big starters move them. And the players think that they own the streets of Mankato when they are on their bikes! Bernard B should be run over he just holds his hand up and zigs & zags in the street. And if you have ever been to Mankato we have HILLS! Media every direction you turn. Campus is filled with people half which are there because they love the team and kids to get autographs but the other half is there to get merchandise signed that the resell either on eBay or at games. These people give the true fans a bad name. They push and chase players to get autographs, they come to practice with 5 of 6 shirts and have the players sign one then take the shirt off for the next player to sign. They hire kids to shout out players names to get autographs. They have a long tent with cooling fans and tables set up for autographs with 8 player tables and the fans are allowed 1 item per player to sign. So fans get in long lines in hopes of getting a autograph and they only do that for 30 minutes after each morning practice. Then there is the players entrance where the bikes are parked that has fence around that fans stand by to get autographs. This is where Tanner & Dalton are camped out. And they will get 7 or 8 players a day to sign. This is where you can tell a great player from a jerk. They will make small talk with the boys and comment about the jersey they may have on that day. Fans bring the players cookies and boo or shout out things that are not so nice. The boyz were there the day the QB1 got hurt and the crowd is so quiet because they are listening to T Jack moan like a school girl. Well Dalton yells out "Great we Suck AGAIN" The place roars with laughter and then they start to the BOOTY chant. ( anther proud parenting moment) Then its those moments that surprise you. On Monday Tanner was waiting for the team to come out to the bikes and Coach Childress comes out and walks up to Tanner and starts asking him about football and what position he plays and where her goes to school and questions about his coach. Signs Tanner's helmet wishes him well and then goes in to campus. Ton's of fans were screaming his name but he took the time just for Tanner. Cool. Rich Gannon has a conversation with Dalton that same day how we need to get a quarterback and if TJack doesn't cut the mustard this year he is done in the NFL. Training camp is something every fan should see at least once. We are very lucky to have it held in our back yard and you get to see how hard the players work at it. So come on down we have room for everyone!