Football Team Arrives in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 24, 2007) - The University of Connecticut football team arrived in Charlotte on Monday to begin its on-site preparations for Saturday's Meineke Car Care Bowl Game against Wake Forest.

The players arrived from all directions after having the weekend off to celebrate an early Christmas with their families. Some flew to Charlotte on their own from home, others drove while many of the Connecticut-area players and the team staff arrived as usual on the team's chartered jet. The Huskies checked into the Omni downtown Charlotte and had dinner before a team meeting to set the tone for the week. Practice begins locally on Tuesday afternoon at the Charlotte Latin Day School.

Left: With the trip bridging the Christmas holiday, all of the coaches and many team staff members have their immediate families with them in Charlotte. Above, UConn defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos' family arrives at the airport, his daughter Sarah Bailey, his son Cole and wife Amanda...Right: The Huskies walk off of the plane in Charlotte to sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 50s.

Left: As always, Andy Baylock arrived a day ahead of the football team to ensure that everything would be ready for its arrival and his advance work was stellar as things went very smoothly for UConn's team arrival on Monday. In the lobby of the Omni he catches up with Tyler Lorenzen...Right: Rob Theoudele checks in after arriving on his own from his home in New Jersey.

Danny Lansanah and Donald Thomas point to a banner in the Omni lobby welcoming the Huskies to town.