Rams decline Oshkosh's offer

***ramsplaya16*** · -04-24-2008

UWO briefly considered for team's training camp

By Jeff Bollier
of the Northwestern

The St. Louis Rams have taken the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh out of consideration for its new training camp home, but it was not for a lack of effort.

Team officials who toured the university and city were impressed by the facilities, the proximity of the airport to the university and marketing materials, but the city could not overcome its geography, UWO Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Development and Operations Darryl Sims said.

"It came down to the location of the stadium," Sims said. "I sensed a little reluctance in their voices because I think they felt all the other components were there. It was really simply based on transporting players from campus to the stadium (with the Wisconsin Street bridge closed) that did not fit in with the way they've done things in the past."

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The university was one of several in the University of Wisconsin System the Rams contacted about hosting their training camp, which will run from the last week of July into mid-August. UWO Athletic Director Al Ackerman said Rams officials visited the campus to review the facilities and discuss any questions or issues they may have had. He said Rams officials have also considered the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and an undisclosed location outside Madison for training camp.

"The community and university put a great face on it and put a great effort toward it," Ackerman said. "Quite frankly, I think it's the Rams' loss."

Rams officials could not be reached for comment.

Sims said construction of the Oshkosh Sports Complex's second phase did not have any impact on the team's decision not to come to Oshkosh.

"The renovation was never a factor. They were extremely impressed with the number of fields available and thought J.J. Keller Field was the gem of the whole complex," Sims said. "If ever the need should arise, they know what we're capable of and that we would certainly entertain further discussions if the situation arose where they needed to talk."