Utica, NY - The Utica College football team is set to host its Spring game on Friday, May 13 at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. The “Blue vs. White” match-up will be an inter-squad format and it is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. under the lights on the turf.

The Pioneers are fortunate to have a Spring game this year because they are allowed ten practices in pads to prepare before traveling to their international game in Quebec City, Canada on Saturday, May 21. Division III teams are allowed to play an international game once every three off-seasons, and the Pioneers are jumping at the opportunity for the second time in program-history.

“Having 10 practices in pads as well as a Spring game provides us with a jump start into the 2011 season,” said third year Head Coach Blaise Faggiano.

While in Canada, Utica will play against the Saguenay Mercenaries who were last years' champions of the Major Football League of Quebec (LFMQ). The Mercenaries compete in the LFMQ, which primarily consists of players with college degrees who don't want to give up the game after college.

“The opportunity to travel internationally will be a tremendous educational experience for our program and Utica College”, said Faggiano. “Our team will take tours of historic Montreal and Quebec City during the trip.”

For the Spring game on May 13th, Pioneer football fans are encouraged to come down to Gaetano Stadium to catch all of the action. The 12th Man tailgate is located in Parking Lot A – extension.

The 2011 football regular season opens Saturday, Sept. 3 as the Pioneers travel to St. Lawrence University. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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