SIOUX FALLS – With high energy and enthusiasm, the University of Sioux Falls Football Team opened the 2021 season with its first fall preseason practice at Bob Young Field on Monday morning.

After losing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cougars were back on the turf today for the start of the 2021 preseason fall practice.

Throughout the course of the two-hour practice, loud chatter, high fives and enthusiasm bounded about across the Bob Young Field as the USF players showcased unbounded optimism as they were able to get back to competing and having fun at a game they love.

USF Head Coach Jon Anderson was pleased to be back on the field with his team, a group that is focused on continuing a legacy of excellence that defines USF Football.



"It is just outstanding feeling to be out here," said Anderson, whose team was picked fourth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll and released last week. "I am really thankful for the opportunity and I know our team is as well. We will practice for quite a while but there is a game at the end of this and that is what is exciting. We are blessed to be in this opportunity," added Anderson, whose team was 8-4 in 2019 with its fourth NCAA DII playoff appearance in five seasons. The 2019 season also represented the 26^th straight winning season, a mark that ranks fourth best across all divisions of the NCAA.

As the team builds toward its first game of the season against Bemidji State on September 2 at Bob Young Field (6:05 pm start time), the Cougars are beginning the effort to iron out any kinks or wash away rush that comes from extended time away.

"We need to knock a lot of rust off as we get into situational football and take a lot of reps," said Anderson, whose team will play six home games in 2021 (click here for full schedule). "We know our schemes inside and out but we need to integrate special teams and work in game situations. It is what you need to do to after being away from games so long. We need to understand again how a game flows and how every snap has meaning," he said.

As Anderson noted, it is exciting to be back on the field, but with the purpose of improving every day. It means a lot of work has to be accomplished in the coming days. But with a smile creasing Anderson's face, it was evident that practice and playing this game is an opportunity.

"Just being out here with these guys and seeing the energy, the smiles and how they practiced with purpose is special," said Anderson, whose team practices every day at 8 am at Bob Young Field.