Cincinnati Bearcats Take Their Game to Higher Ground

The Cincinnati Bearcats began preseason practice last week in a place all too familiar: Camp Higher Ground in West Harrison, Indiana.

For years the Cincinnati Bearcats have been disappearing into the woods of Indiana for a few weeks leading up to the season opener. 

Higher Ground is a place for the players to get away from anything and everything, except of course football. 

Located less than 30 miles from campus, Higher Ground is nestled away from any form of civilization and for two weeks every August, Bearcat players get to live like NFL royalty.

They eat like they have never eaten before, according to most, and Higher Ground is a chance for the entire team to bond with no outside distractions.

This NFL-style training camp is the perfect way to build team chemistry and camaraderie among everyone. 

With nothing to do except eat, sleep, and breathe football, the players and coaches can completely focus on what is important for two weeks. 

The most important thing to focus on right now is the start of the season. 

Only two and a half weeks remain until the season opener against Fresno St. and Cincinnati knows the heat will be a factor when they travel to California on September 4. 

That is why nobody is complaining about the 120 degree temperature on the turf last week. It will only help better prepare for what lies ahead. 

Whether this camp helps the Bearcats prepare for the upcoming season is up for debate, but the uniqueness of the camp is something that is truly special in Cincinnati.

"The food is incredible," first year head coach Butch Jones said. "The people here do an unbelievable job and our kids love coming here. I'm really excited about being here."

In 2010, Bearcat fans will have plenty of reason to be excited as well.