Combine Launches OU Football Club Preseason

Saturday, March 22 marked the day "Team 2" came into effect for the new Oakland University Football Club. The second OU Football Club Combine was held at the OU Sports Bubble, an indoor facility on Oakland University's campus, which has artificial grass or field turf. "The combine will test the strength, agility, and speed of the players that want to be part of the team this year," said Club President David Brosky. "We might even have some time for some one-on-one."

Running with the success from last year's inaugural season, the football club has set the bar higher in all goals both on and off the field. One of the football club's goals this year is to get closer to the maximum roster size allowed by the National Club Football Association (NCFA), which caps at 60 players. During the first season, OU had 35 active players. Depth is crucial in the sport of football to prevent injuries and to keep players fresh throughout the entire game.

Now that the team is established, the club's student executive board is encouraged by the spike in interest from prospective players. "Last year, cost has a large impact on potential players' decision to play, so this year we are looking into more creative ways to fund raise and also pursue sponsorships to support the club," said club vice president Nick Taylor. This year's football combine is sponsored by RE/MAX of SE Michigan.

The football club has also brought in a new team of coaches led b y Head Coach Chris Pickney. The coaches are impressed by the level of organization of the football club considering that it is student-developed and operated. Coach Pickney expects about 60 prospective players to participate in this year's combine. The positive turnout at the combine is a sign of success. Still in its infancy, the team's theme this year will focus on "Building the Tradition."

In 2013, the OU Football Club ended its first season with a 5-2 record, placing second in their conference and eighth overall in the 26 team NCFA league. OU's football club received both local and national attention from media outlets such as NFL Films. OU competes in full contact football against other college football club teams such as UW-Milaukee, Ohio State, Wright State, Miami (OH), and UM-Flint.

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