Panthers open camp seeking third straight winning season

ORANGE, Calif. - An optimistic and enthusiastic squad of 94 players reported on Thursday for the Chapman University football team's first team practice of the season. Under fourth-year head coach Bob Owens, the Panthers are seeking a third consecutive winning season after finishing above .500 each of the past two years - something that hadn't been accomplished at Chapman since 1994-96.

The 11-day training camp will be highlighted by an invasion of newcomers - 56 of the 94 players in camp on Thursday were not on the 2008 roster.

"We'll see how quickly we can get guys on the same page but anytime you have that many new players it's going to be a challenge," said Owens who is 15-12 in three seasons at Chapman. "A third straight winning season would be a huge landmark and prove that we've got this program on the right track."

At least 16 starting positions (including special teams) are up for grabs, including quarterback, where Owens expects a fierce competition between last year's backup sophomore Derek Witte and a handful of fresh faces. A veteran core of wide receivers includes a healthy junior Chris Langstaff and seniors Kaleo Perez and Dan Delahoussaye.

Meanwhile the Panthers' defense returns just three starters from a year ago - a squad that allowed just 17.8 points per game.

Owens and his squad have 23 days before the opening kickoff of the 2009 season. The Panthers will host Menlo College on Sept. 12 at Wilson Field at 7 p.m.