Chargers greet special guest
Adjust font size
Wednesday, Jul 30, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
Texas Governor Rick Perry loves to vacation in the San Diego area, and when he visits America’s Finest City, Chargers Park is one of his favorite destinations.
Perry was the special guest of Chargers President Dean Spanos at Bolts practice Wednesday morning. Spanos gave his good friend a tour of the facility prior to practice and spent the two-hour workout with the Lone Star State governor.
His Wednesday morning visit was the second time Perry has attended Chargers training camp.
Resting up
A few of the Chargers’ veterans watched Wednesday morning’s practice from the sidelines just as an opportunity to get some rest. Wide receiver Chris Chambers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, linebacker Shawne Merriman and center Jeremy Newberry all watched in shorts and t-shirts.
Perfect record
Fans deservedly hear a lot about Philip Rivers’ 25-7 record as an NFL starter, but what about Jeromey Clary’s mark? The Chargers went 5-0 last fall after making a change at right tackle, and Head Coach Norv Turner is excited about Clary’s potential heading into his second season as a starter.
“(Clary) played well last year,” Turner said. “There were two or three changes we made in terms of the starting lineup. He was one of them. He’s a young player so I’d expect him to continue to get better and better.”
Nice reach
With Antonio Gates still working on the side, tight end Scott Chandler has seen a lot of reps with the first team and has had a strong first week of training camp. At 6-7, 265, Chandler has shown an ability to use his long frame to his advantage and win matchups in the passing game.
“Scott is a big target and has a real feel for the passing game,” Turner said.
In addition to his work with the offense, Chandler has been with the first team on kickoff return and been involved with the punt team. As a rookie last fall, Chandler was active for just one game, but his ability to contribute on special teams could help him get on the field more this fall.
Under the lights
Through the first five days of training camp, the Chargers have practiced from 4-6 p.m. each afternoon. They’ll mix things up Wednesday night by heading to Qualcomm Stadium.
“Based on the numbers of players, based on where we are as a team, I think anything we can do to change up our regular routine helps us,” Turner said. “I think when you go under the lights, practice tends to speed up. I expect us to have a pretty good practice, a pretty high-tempo practice this evening.”
Wednesday night’s practice is closed to the public, but Charger fans will have a chance to see the Bolts practice under the lights next Wednesday evening (Aug. 6) at Chargers Park.
In the spotlight
ESPN's NFL Live set will be at Chargers Park Thursday with Sal Paolantonio and Mark Schlereth hosting some special Bolts coverage. The special show is scheduled to air at 4 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday.
Meet and greet
Chargers fans will have an opportunity to get an upclose look at their favorite team when the club hosts FanFest ’08 at Qualcomm Stadium Saturday morning.
The parking lot gates open at 8:00 am and the stadium gates open at 9:30 am. Players and Charger Girls will be greeting fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures at the autograph session sponsored by See’s Candies from 10:15-11 am. Following the autograph session, the Chargers will practice in front of their fans.
Fans should bring an appetite because hot dogs and sodas will cost just $1 each. Other fun activities for kids include temporary tattoos, balloon animals and a variety of fun surprises.
FanFest is presented by Bud Light.
Mike Nowak, Chargers.com
Offensive tackle Jeromey Clary is enjoying another strong camp.
|
Wed. Camp Update: Norv TurnerWednesday press conference with Norv Turner. |
|
Chargers.com Exclusive: Jacob HesterChargers.com Exclusive: Rookie RB Jacob Hester |
Play
Play
Have an opinion on this story? Share it on the team's official message boards.
Find out what others are saying about the Chargers. Visit Daily Clips.
Already registered? Login here.
