Irish Training Camp Dates Set

Notre Dame has announced key dates for football training camp. The sourcing of the article is not clear, but here is what the Chicago Tribune is reporting:

Friday, Aug. 7: No practice -- it's the final day of summer school -- but Weis and his assistant coaches meet with the media for the first time. No players talk, due to exams and such.

Saturday, Aug. 8: First practice at 1:30 p.m. CT, selected players available to the media for the first time beforehand.

Sunday, Aug. 9: Another 1:30 p.m. CT practice, and the rest of the roster (except the freshmen) available to the media for the first time.

Thursday, Aug. 13: First double-session of training camp. Practice at 8 a.m. CT, then again at 4:30 p.m. CT.

Saturday, Aug. 15: Weis holds his annual open practice for the media. Expect enough minutia to choke a horse.

Monday, Aug. 17/Thursday, Aug. 20: Two more double-sessions, and the 2009 captains and leadership committee meet with the media in between the Aug. 20 practices.

Friday, Aug. 21: It's Freshmen Media Day... otherwise known as Manti Te'o Greeted By A Media Crush At Michael-Jackson-Funeral-Levels Day. One of likely two chances to hear from the freshman during the season.

Sunday, Aug. 23: This appears to the the Student Appreciation Day practice, open to the Notre Dame faithful on campus, starting at 7 p.m. CT.

Monday, Aug. 24: Weis gets the Irish into more of a game-week preparation schedule, starting practice at 3:45 p.m. CT. Preparation for Nevada likely intensifies starting now, if past form holds.

Saturday, Aug. 29: Last preseason session -- likely a game-day walk-through deal, going on precedent -- at 12:30 p.m. CT.

Sunday, Aug. 30: The Irish are off, Weis meets with the media at 3 p.m. CT -- his usual Sunday appearance time -- and the 2009 season is truly officially underway.

Mark your calendars!