(Tempe, AZ) Sun Devil Football Head Coach Kenny Dillingham announced that the program will return to iconic Camp Tontozona August 10-12, highlighted by a Saturday morning scrimmage open to the public.
A place synonymous with Sun Devil Football, an annual visit to “Camp T” was a tradition started by legendary head coach Frank Kush back in 1959. Due to field turf renovations, COVID restrictions, and weather conditions, the preseason practice session had taken a brief hiatus. Coach Dillingham has made it a priority to bring back the ritual for the first time since 2019.
“One of the main goals I wanted when I was named head coach was to get us back to ‘Camp T’ in 2023,” Coach Dillingham remarked. “It is one of the favorite traditions of the fans, and growing up I know all that goes into the history. I am excited that our players will be able to experience it. The relationships and bonds formed during this time can’t be replicated. Times have changed and we understand that not everything can be the same as it once was, but we want to get up there this year and make sure our current team understands where so much history was created in our program. Every Sun Devil legend spent time at Camp Tontozona, and it is important the 2023 team understands this.”
Arizona State’s trip up North will run from Thursday, August 10 – Saturday, August 12, with practice times and availability to be determined. The festivities will be capped by the scrimmage on Saturday. Details on timing and fan policies will be available at a later date.
Following a spirited Spring in which he wasted no time making an impact, Coach Dillingham and the new Sun Devil Football staff will utilize Camp T as an opportunity to judge the progress made by the team. With the August 12 scrimmage taking place less than three weeks away from the opening kickoff, Sun Devil Fans will get a glimpse of what to expect this season.
Set within the cool mountain country near Payson, Camp Tontozona borders the Tonto National Forest, which provides the first two syllables of the camp’s name. The state of Arizona provides the last two.
Mountains skirt the camp with water, contributing much of the beauty to the area with clear-running Tonto Creek just a moment’s walk from the practice field. As a matter of fact, the bubbling springs on the camp property are a popular place for a cold drink or a refreshing natural whirlpool after practice. The creek is even more popular after drills.
Three man-sized waterfalls and clear-bottom swimming holes serve as refreshers to the Sun Devils. Wildlife is another prominent specialty of Tontozona. Deer roaming the surrounding country and hawks circling the morning and evening skies are not uncommon sights.
Just minutes away by car are other attractions such as the spectacular Mogollon Rim and its breathtaking view and countryside that provide a haven for campers, horseback riders, hikers and picnickers.
More information on Sun Devil Football’s scrimmage at Camp T on Saturday, August 12 – which is open to the public – will be available at a later date.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
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