Get Out: Check Out The Browns' Training Camp and Bring Your Camera

And with fall, for many it is a time to prepare the snow blowers, and batten down the hatches for yet another long monotonous

It's no secret that Avon Lake is a football town, and what better way to treat future Shoremen and Shoremen fans to a taste of big-time football before this year's kicks off the season?

Get into football mode with a first look at the Cleveland Browns. Sure its been hard to watch them at times since they returned to the league in 1999, but under the watchful eye of President  Mike Holmgren and new coach Pat Shurmur, expect good things soon from the team. 

"When I brought the team in initially I told them, make it as hard on us as we can to decide on who the 53 guys are going to be," Shurmur who feels that whether or not you’re a veteran, this year you must earn that roster slot.

Shurmur has installed the West Coast offense, which if productive is fun for fans. The Browns will also go back to the 4-3 defense and its offensive line with Alex Mack and Joe Thomas will be the pillar of the team.

The Browns offensive attack features Peyton Hillis. Last year he gained the love of fans by compiling 1,177 yards along with 11 rushing touchdowns and if that was impressive in itself, he also will appear on the cover of the Madden NFL 12 video game, thanks to Browns fans voting, as he beat out guys such as Aaron Rodgers.

“He’s a very impressive guy,” Shurmur said about his top offensive threat. “He has a very physical presence, not only in his size, but the way he plays the game. Very detailed; he takes his job very seriously. He’s very critical of himself if he makes mistakes and typically, you don’t see an error repeat itself. Those are all things that make him a fine player.”

Josh Cribbs, a sixth-year player who in addition to 59 career receptions for 580 yards and three touchdowns is a threat at nearly every slot is returning. So is second-year quarterback Colt McCoy who is looking for a breakout year now that the starting slot is his.

The defense should be fun to watch too as TJ Ward, along with new addition Jabaal Sheard to the line, should present problems to opponents. The strength should be the secondary that also features Joe Haden at corner.

Information you need for training camp

Autographs:

Players have been very gracious and head over the ropes on both sides of the practice field after practice. For those wanting Colt McCoy’s signature, he usually signs on the west side of the field and tries to get to as many people as possible. So does Peyton Hillis, who is on the cover of Madden this year. The Browns also offer a unique opportunity to kids 12 and under. Many are selected each day at random to obtain an autograph. Tokens are given to those selected, which may be redeemed at the autograph tents after the session. The first available player in each tent redeems tokens.

A bit of advice - Don't yell “hey you” and expect a player to come over to the ropes and sign something. The best time to obtain autographs from the players is after practice but it is at each player's discretion as to whether or not they will sign on a certain day. In some cases, a player has a meeting and is in a hurry. Also, kindness helps. The players are human too. As for the best spots? It all depends. Sometimes a player will surprise fans and be on a side of the field where he is unexpected. 

Where to watch

The Browns practice on four fields that is perfect for viewing from any angle. Fans can watch from the sidelines almost with he same view as reporters. There is a fence that rings the practice fields that people can lean against, and there are also bleacher seats but it goes fast so be there early if you want a seat. 

What to bring:

Sunglasses and sun block, cameras, (but no video) your neighbor, blankets. There is bleacher seating as well as wheelchair accessible seating. Visitors may also bring folding camp chairs or lawn chairs. The facility features several food concessions and a Browns team shop.

Parking:

Free parking is available at Baldwin-Wallace College, about a half-mile from the training complex. A free shuttle connects the fan entrance and the lots. Handicap parking is available at the Berea Recreation Center on Front Street. A shuttle also runs from this lot.

CAMP SCHEDULE

There is still plenty of time to get out to Berea and watch your Browns in action.

Aug. 15, 8:45 am – 11:15 am; Aug. 16, 8;45 am – 11:15 am; Aug. 21, 8:45 am – 11:15 am; Aug. 22, 8:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.; Aug. 23, 8:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.