Training camp
Where: One Buc Place, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just east of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Admission: Free
Et cetera: All practices are weather permitting and subject to change. For updates, go to buccaneers.com.
Schedules
Public practices
Friday: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday: 6:30 to 9 p.m. *
Monday: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.
* Intrasquad scrimmage at Raymond James Stadium; free parking, autograph sessions, $1 hot dogs and soft drinks, and fireworks
Preseason games
Aug. 10: at Dolphins, 7:30, Ch. 10
Aug. 17: Titans, 7:30, Ch. 10 *
Aug. 24: Patriots, 7:30, Ch. 10 *
Aug. 29: at Redskins, 7:30, Ch. 10
* Subject to blackout
A dream comes true
Rhonda VanSickle, a Lee's Summit, Mo., physical education teacher, said she watched QB Josh Freeman play in high school and followed him from Kansas State to Tampa Bay. Wednesday, VanSickle, who is battling Stage 4 breast and bone cancer, lived a dream by bringing sons Alex, 20, Austin, 17, and Blake, 15, to practice to meet Freeman and his teammates. VanSickle was granted the wish through the Jack & Jill Late State Cancer Foundation. "It's been amazing; more than we can ever imagine," VanSickle said. "I just don't have words to say about what it means to me to have my boys have this experience. (The Bucs have) been so good to us."
Marquee faces
Each year, the Bucs feature large photos of players on the outside of Raymond James Stadium. This year, there are new faces: rookie S Mark Barron, left, second-year DE Adrian Clayborn and two free agents, WR Vincent Jackson and G Carl Nicks. They join a group that includes CB Ronde Barber, right, and DT Gerald McCoy.
Special guests
The Bucs hosted coaches from USF's staff: Rick Smith (defensive backs), Kevin Patrick (defensive tackles), Vernon Hargreaves (defensive ends), Larry Scott (running backs), Steve Shankweiler (offensive line) and Jerome Pathon (receivers).
Coming up
Today, the Bucs continue their annual tradition of hosting athletes from the Special Olympics. More than 60 athletes from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties will watch practice then participate in drills on the field.
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
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