Aug. 1, 2007

CHICAGO -- The 36th annual Big Ten Football Media Days and Kickoff Luncheon wrapped up this afternoon at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. The Wildcats were represented by head coach Pat Fitzgerald and players Dylan Thiry, Tyrell Sutton and Adam Kadela.

After taping public service announcements and meeting with network and local television reporters on Tuesday, the Wildcats spoke with newspaper and radio reporters Wednesday morning for two hours. The day concluded with an autograph session with fans, photos and the luncheon, which was emceed by the Big Ten Network's Dave Revsine.

On the way home to Evanston, Fitzgerald stopped by Wrigley Field and performed "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch of tonight's Cubs-Phillies game.

The Wildcats report to Evanston and begin their first official workout at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6. Four days later, Northwestern moves its preseason football camp to Kenosha, Wis., for 11 full days of practice, starting Aug. 11. This is the 16th-straight year the Wildcats have held part of their preseason camp at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus.

Northwestern then returns to Evanston on Aug. 21 to prepare for its Sept. 1 opener vs. Northeastern (11 a.m. CT, Big Ten Network).

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Pat Fitzgerald Media Day quotes:
Opening Statement:
"During this offseason, I was very impressed with the character of our football players. Spring practice was extremely physical."

On Indiana's situation:
"Things in your life you can control, things you can't. Last year, we dealt with a great deal of adversity. What we could control was our attitude and how we responded to that adversity. We did a great job of communicating with each other. It was a difficult time but the great game of football teaches life lessons."

On the transition from last year to this year as a coach:
"From an organizational standpoint, you are much more prepared than a year ago. We're ready to go. Last year I was figuring out what keys were to my office. Our players are more prepared for my style. Moving forward, I'm extremely excited and looking forward to the opening."

On NU's non-conference schedule:
"We're excited about the opener for us. This is the first time NU has had seven home games in 61 years. Having our first three games on the Big Ten Network gives us a great opportunity for some national exposure. At NU, we have to recruit the nation."

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