Reporters with national media outlets converge on Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning during training camp at Rose-Hulman.

Press Release

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen's bus tour of National Football League training camps will roll onto the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus on Friday to cover the Indianapolis Colts, joining a growing list of media bringing national and statewide exposure to the college.

Reporters for USA Today, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN the Magazine and Sirius Satellite Radio have already visited Rose-Hulman or plan to be here before camp commences on Aug. 19.

Don Banks of SI.com made dispatches from Rose-Hulman on Thursday, Aug. 6, and noted that "I'm intrigued by the idea of a highly acclaimed engineering school like this fielding a Division III football team. (Just wondering, but does that bring all new meaning to the term 'rebuilding program?')"

CBSSports.com Senior Writer Clark Judge named the Colts training camp at Rose-Hulman as his No. 3 most favorite training camp facilities, stating: "The facilities are top-notch, the practice field is idyllic and you get to watch Peyton Manning at work."

Yes, Manning has spent nearly his entire professional career getting ready for each season by throwing passes on the Rose-Hulman campus.

"Each year, when you arrive at Rose-Hulman, you know that it is time to get to work -- the season is approaching," the All-Pro quarterback told reporters on the opening day of this year's camp.

The opportunity to see and get autographs from Manning and his teammates, and participate in other training camp attractions, have brought thousands of NFL fans to Rose-Hulman during the first week of this year's camp. The combined attendance for both of the first day (Aug. 3) practices was 3,403, the best opening-day total in the 11 years that Rose-Hulman has hosted the Colts. More than 3,300 persons attended the team's first night practice on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and another large crowd is expected to watch a morning practice on Saturday, Aug. 8.

A total of 22,308 fans attended training camp last summer for the second most in Rose-Hulman history. The Athletic Department benefits from the $10 parking fee charged per vehicle that attends camp and proceeds from concession stand sales at Cook Stadium. These funds will help cover travel costs for Rose-Hulman athletic teams throughout the 2009-10 season, according to Pete Gustafson, vice president of student affairs.

Another benefit of Rose-Hulman hosting training camp is having successful and inspirational leaders on campus. Colts President Bill Polian gave a presentation on leadership to Rose-Hulman students, faculty and staff members at Rose-Hulman Ventures on Wednesday as part of this summer's Distinguished Speaker Series.

Polian stated that all leaders must "Know the way, Show the way and Lead the way" and have the principles of Perseverance, Rectitude, Integrity, Dedication and Empathy -- all elements of developing pride.
Rose-Hulman is one of 13 colleges and universities to host a NFL training camp.

Colts officials have been appreciative of Rose-Hulman's efforts and facilities.

"(Rose-Hulman's) facilities are great and they do a great job in terms of providing an atmosphere that's conducive to getting work done," stated first-year Head Coach Jim Caldwell.

Rose-Hulman, added: "In my years in the NFL, I have not experienced an institution or community that provides a finer atmosphere for preparing a team to compete than does Rose-Hulman and the city of Terre Haute."

Source: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology