Sun Devils hope to return to Tontozona
Apr 19, 2012, 5:03 PM | Updated: 7:39 pm
Camp Tontozona was an Arizona State University institution
from 1960 through 2008, as the football team would
practice and scrimmage in Payson, AZ.
The school would like to return.
ASU unveiled the “Return to Camp T” campaign Thursday,
hoping to raise $150,000 to return to Tontozona this year.
“I love the tradition of college football,” ASU coach Todd
Graham said in a press release. “That is one of the
reasons I coach at the collegiate level. Camp Tontozona
is one of the famous icons in the history of college
football. I want to take my first team there because the
tradition begins at Tontozona, justlike it did in 1960.
Every player, every coach and many fans begin each season
in the tall pines northeast of Payson. Coach Frank Kush
had a vision. It worked well then and it will again.
When I visited earlier this year I saw a lot of potential.
But a lot of work needs to be completed in order to make
it happen.”
Should the school raise enough money by July 1st the team
will visit the camp from August 14-18, with a scrimmage
being held on the final day. If the goal is not met, any
funds raised will be applied towards returning to Camp
Tontozona for the 2013 fall preseason.
“Camp Tontozona unites Sun Devil football players from
every generation and we want to return to that tradition,”
Arizona State Athletics Director Steve Patterson said in
the release. ” We invite former football players, fans and
anyone that believes in Camp T and what it stands for to
participate by donating money or services. We need the Sun
Devil Football family to unite behind this goal.”
