Aug. 3, 2000

Waco, Texas - Baylor Head Football Coach Kevin Steele welcomed 28 newcomers to campus Thursday to begin preparations for the opening of the 2000 season. Those reporting included 21 scholarship players and seven walk-ons. Of the 21 scholarship players, junior college transfer kicker Adam Stiles was the lone non-freshman.

"They all appear to be excited and ready to get to work," said Steele. "It'll be an adjustment period for these young men. Our job as coaches the next few days is to make them feel comfortable with their surroundings and prepare them for what lies ahead."

The newcomers went through physicals Thursday night and are scheduled to spend Friday getting orientated to their new surroundings. They begin three days of newcomer-only workouts Saturday afternoon.

One signee, wide receiver Robert Quiroga from San Antonio Holmes, did not report Thursday due to a previous conflict.

"Robert asked us when he signed if he could be a day late reporting so that he could run in the national AAU track meet down in Florida," said Steele. "I told him I'd rather have a fast receiver report a day late than a slow one report on time." Quiroga, who competes in the 200 meters, is expected to join his new teammates Friday evening.

Baylor's veterans return to campus Monday. The first day of full-squad practices is Wednesday, when the Bears will conduct the first of nine two-a-day workouts.