The Bearkat football team and coaches took a break from preseason camp to host more than 300 area youngsters ages five to 12 at the third annual "Little Kat" Camp Saturday morning.

Sam Houston State players worked with the youngsters at various stations teaching the fundamentals of passing, running, catching, blocking and tackling.

"We were thrilled with the turnout. What a great group of youngsters," Sam Houston head coach Willie Fritz said. "I don't know who had more fun - the kids or our players."

The Bearkat players echoed the senitments of their head coach.

"We had a great time with the kids," offensive lineman Chris Rogers said. "They were really fired up to be down on the field and learning more about football. Their enthusiasm was contagious. We all had a great time."

The hard work begins again Saturday night with the team's second practice session.

Sam Houston State begins the 2012 season on Saturday, Oct. 8, when the Bearkats play host to the University of Incarnate Word at 6 p.m.

Season tickets are on sale now online at www.gobearkats.com/tickets or at the SHSU athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.