By Jim Beers
The Southern Illinois University Salukis football team opened the 2010 season Friday, August 6.  The day-long series of activities began a new era in Saluki football history as the Dawgs hosted a media day and their first fall practice in the brand new sports facilities and Saluki Stadium which are part of the Saluki Way Project.
The new locker room boasts the newest technology as well as a bit of luxury. Each player has his own personal cubical which contains a place for equipment, drawers, a padded Saluki folding chair, a lockable storage area and plenty of space to hang clothing. Each cubical is labeled with the name of the player and is separated from the cubical of the player next door.
The locker room is fully air-conditioned and carpeted and is surrounded with eight big screen TV monitors and audio speakers for both game tape review and entertainment.  
Media day was held in the locker room and was hosted by SIU head football coach Dale Lennon.  He was joined by Kalen DeBoer, new offensive coordinator and Kyle Schweigert, SIU defensive coordinator. Approximately 20 SIU players, new and old were also on hand to answer questions and give their take regarding the upcoming season.
Lennon, who has won the Missouri Valley Football Conference Coach of the Year Award during both of his first two years as the Saluki head coach, opened the press conference stating that the 2010 season has much promise.  
He noted that the Salukis have great personnel and one of the best facilities in the nation.  
“Now we need to concentrate on adding the third component which is to fill the new stadium with fans from across southern Illinois,” said Lennon.
Following the press conference, media were given the opportunity to tour the new Saluki Stadium. The press structure features an entire floor of luxury box suites, which are currently being rented for games.
The playing surface is state-of-the art turf and two high-tech scoreboards, one which boasts a huge video screen, will keep fans up-to-date regarding action on the field.
The Salukis held their first official practice of 2010 on the new Saluki Stadium turf at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon. Fall camp at SIU began August 6 and will run through August 26.  
SIU opens the 2010 season at home Thursday, September 2 against NAIA opponent Quincy College.  Game time is 7 p.m. in the new Saluki Stadium. The following week the Dawgs travel to Champaign-Urbana to take on the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. Game time is 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 11.