Rams News

Rams extend pact with WIU for training camp

By Steve Korte
Belleville News Democrat
ST. LOUIS- The St. Louis Rams will hold their training camp at Western Illinois University in Macomb for at least two more years.
The Rams extended their contract with Western Illinois University after they received assurances that a third practice field would be constructed and drainage problems on the two existing practice fields would be fixed.
"They've assured us that the Western Illinois facilities will be equivalent to the National Football League standard for playing fields," Rams coach Dick Vermeil said. "Everything else they do up there is super -- the people, the food, the dorms, the meeting rooms. They accommodate you in every way they can."
The Rams also considered Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and Stevens Point, Wis., as sites for their training camp.
"I preferred to stay put," Vermeil said. "Once I get settled, I don't like change that much."
The Rams trained at Western lllinois University the past two summers. They held their first training camp after moving from Anaheim, Calif., in 1995 at Maryville University in St. Louis.
Vermeil said the only other complaint he had with Western Illinois University was it's distance from a major airport.
The Rams, or any NFL team that wants to visit the Rams, must travel by bus to Peoria or Springfield to catch a plane.
"There are some pluses too," Vermeil said. "I like the small-town atmosphere."
Vermeil Said the Rams are planning a three-day workout with the Indianapolis Colts on July 30 through Aug. 1 in Champaign.
"That could change because Indianapolis is still evaluating whether to move to a different training site," said Vermeil, who met with new Colts coach Jim Mora during the NFL Meetings last week.
Last summer, the Rams scrimmaged against the Colts at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
The Rams could hold a scrimmage against the Colts on Aug. 1, Vermeil said.

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