Colts converge at Franklin

FRANKLIN - Hundreds gathered Saturday as Franklin College hosted a mini-camp practice for the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts.

Hoosiers from across the state came to the campus to watch Colts stars Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Dwight Freeney and first-round pick Donald Brown and many more in action at Red "Faught" Stadium under a hot and humid day.

Manning, the Associated Press 2008 NFL Most Valuable Player, signed hundreds of autographs shortly before the 2:45 p.m. starting time. Head coach Jim Caldwell, as well as Freeney, Gonzalez and safety Bob Sanders, were among other notable names that took time to sign before the start of practice.

News and notables

- Two thumbs up to Franklin College faculty, other staff members and student-athletes for serving the guests at the event. At the start of the 2009 academic year, Franklin College will celebrate 175 years of Excellence, Leadership and Service.  All of the volunteers displayed these characteristics, as well as genuine kindness, before, during and after the event.

- RB Joseph Addai, the 2006 first-round draft selection from Louisiana State University, sat out of practice following surgery on his knee.

- General Manager Bill Polian and Franklin College President Jay Moseley spoke to the crowd before practice began.

- The Indy Blue Crew tailgating club held a sign-up tent just outside the field. To sign up for the Blue Crew, visit indybluecrew.com

-  WISH-TV, as well as several media members from The Franklin, a student-produced newspaper at Franklin College, were on hand taking photos and shooting video.

- The surprise of the day was 2008 fourth round pick WR Austin Collie, as he made many acrobatic catches from both Manning and second-string quarterback Jim Sorgi.

-  R.B. Brown, the 2009 first round pick, performed admirably in all of the individual drills as well as a brief scrimmage, displaying bursts  through the hole on many handoffs.

- 2009 seventh-round draft pick Punter Pat McAfee showed off a strong leg, sending many punts beyond 65 yards.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe of Franklin College, will host training camp for the Colts in July and August. Franklin's football team opens its season Sept. 5 at home against Baldwin-Wallace College.

The Colts begin the regular season at 1 p.m. Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.