The countdown to the Ottawa Sooners' season opener is now on.  Almost 80 players participated in opening night of the club's 2012 training camp with more on the way.  Practices are every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7-9pm at Brewer Park. (directions)  Once the club is made, the Sooners' home opener will be Sunday August 12th at 3pm vs St. Leonard.

New Sooners' head coach Matt Murfitt was impressed with the talent at the club's recent mini-camp. "We had a very successful mini-camp with 45-50 players out each night," said Murfitt.

"The objective of this camp was to get a preliminary look at some of the talent and to get the players and coaches used to each other. As a coaching staff, we started showing the players the work ethic, commitment and discipline that will be required to be a part of the Sooners in 2012."

Murfitt and his staff say there are still some areas where they require improvement but they were very pleased with the talent level overall. "Our defensive line was an area of strength for us," Murfitt said.  "It should be excellent competition with this group at main camp."

Murfitt says he's excited to get started, running his first training camp as Sooners' head coach starting on July 17th.  "As we continue our recruiting, most all players are expected to be in Ottawa in early July to get prepared for what should prove to be a very competitive main camp.

Check the full season schedule here.