The wait is over. Savannah State hit the practice field Wednesday morning, officially kicking off fall camp ahead of the 2025 football season.After finishing 5-5 last year, the Tigers enter the new season projected to finish sixth in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. But don’t tell that to this group — the energy at the first practice felt like a team aiming much higher.“It’s been a long time coming,” said head coach Aaron Kelton. “A short summer, it really was. It moved pretty quickly. But that’s part of the anticipation. Just getting the guys out on the field today was huge.”Practice opened with intensity and no shortage of sweat. One of the toughest stretches of the day was what players call the “county fair” — a nonstop series of six to seven drills, back-to-back, with no walking and no breaks.For senior running back Joe Hampton, starting fast was no accident.“We set the tone today,” Hampton said. “High energy, high intensity. All the leaders were locked in and bringing it. That’s how we’re doing things — we’re rolling.”Tigers safety Ahlik Booker said the vibe on day one was different and in the best way.“It was a good energy,” Booker said. “Everybody seemed like they wanted to be here. It’s early, it’s hot, and yeah — county fair. But guys pushed through, and that tells you something.”Savannah State will open its regular season at home on Saturday, Aug. 30, when it hosts Edward Waters at T.A. Wright Stadium.
The wait is over. Savannah State hit the practice field Wednesday morning, officially kicking off fall camp ahead of the 2025 football season.
After finishing 5-5 last year, the Tigers enter the new season projected to finish sixth in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. But don’t tell that to this group — the energy at the first practice felt like a team aiming much higher.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said head coach Aaron Kelton. “A short summer, it really was. It moved pretty quickly. But that’s part of the anticipation. Just getting the guys out on the field today was huge.”
Practice opened with intensity and no shortage of sweat. One of the toughest stretches of the day was what players call the “county fair” — a nonstop series of six to seven drills, back-to-back, with no walking and no breaks.
For senior running back Joe Hampton, starting fast was no accident.
“We set the tone today,” Hampton said. “High energy, high intensity. All the leaders were locked in and bringing it. That’s how we’re doing things — we’re rolling.”
Tigers safety Ahlik Booker said the vibe on day one was different and in the best way.
“It was a good energy,” Booker said. “Everybody seemed like they wanted to be here. It’s early, it’s hot, and yeah — county fair. But guys pushed through, and that tells you something.”
Savannah State will open its regular season at home on Saturday, Aug. 30, when it hosts Edward Waters at T.A. Wright Stadium.