The Seattle Seahawks begin preparations for the 2005 season when they open training camp on Friday, July 29, at Eastern Washington University in Cheney.
Canadians J.P. Darche (LS), Jerome Pathon (WR), Kerry Carter (RB) and Jesse Lumsden (RB) all hope to use the camp to prove they deserve roster spots and playing time.
Lumsden faces the toughest competition. An undrafted free agent signee, the Burlington born former CIS star hopes to defy the odds and earn a roster spot on special teams.
Ahead of Lumsden on depth chart at Runningback is Toronto's Kerry Carter, now entering his third season with the club as a kick returner and 3rd string back.
Things are a little more secure for veterans Darche (5 seasons) and Pathon (7 seasons).
The Seahawks have more Canadians in camp than any other NFL team. There are a total of 22 Canadians competing for roster spots this summer.
Mike Holmgren, who enters his 14th season as an NFL head coach and his seventh as the Seahawks head coach, will oversee arrival of the players the week of July 25. The first practice of camp is set for Friday, July 29, at 8:45 a.m.
All practice sessions are open to the public.
Cheney, 15 miles west of Spokane, hosts the Seahawks for the 19th time, having provided living space and training quarters for the team's initial training camp in 1976. The Seahawks signed a three-year agreement with Eastern before the 2004 season to ensure the team's return through 2006.
From 1976-85, the team traveled east of the Cascade mountain range for its summer camp before moving into its current home in Kirkland on a full-time basis.
While training in Kirkland from 1986-1996, the Seahawks utilized the dormitories and cafeteria at the adjacent Northwest College. The team returns to its roots in Cheney and the first-class athletic facilities at Eastern Washington University for the eighth consecutive year.
The annual team scrimmage this year will be held at Woodward Field on the Eastern Washington University campus on Saturday, August 6. The scrimmage time will be announced shortly and admission is free.
A full day of fan activities will take place before the scrimmage, including a Gatorade Junior Football Camp for kids, fun & games at Touchdown City, and performances by the Sea Gals and Blue Thunder.
The Seahawks break camp and return to Seattle on Saturday, August 20, following morning practice.
