DEKALB, Ill. -- It is a day marked on the calendar throughout the summer. For student-athletes, coaches, fans and everyone in between, the first day of football practice is one of those days that everyone looks forward to and the Northern Illinois University football program is no exception. 

After opening Friday with their annual photo day activities, which included head shots, position photos and the team photo, the Huskies took to the field for the first time later in the afternoon under clear, sun-splashed skies at Huskie Stadium. The two-hour workout in helmets and shorts marked the beginning of the grind as NIU begins to prepare for its September 1 season opener at Iowa. 

Like everyone else, NIU head coach Rod Carey was ready to get practice started, but he made it clear that the standard is high, right from day one. 

"It was good to be back on the field but I don't think (practice) was very good today," said Carey of the team's opening workout. "They'll get better, they've got the right attitude, so we'll get better. You expect some level of rustiness but there was too much of that."

Despite his blunt initial assessment, Carey was quick to point out that there were plenty of positives during today's practice as well. 

"There were a lot of good things, don't get me wrong, there were just too many bad things," Carey continued. "I wouldn't say there were more bad than good, I'd say there was probably still more good than bad, it just wasn't (to) our standard." 

It is that high standard that has made NIU football one of the most successful programs in the nation in recent years, earning nine bowl appearances in the last 10 seasons, and that has the Huskies picked as the preseason favorite in the Mid-American Conference West Division. 

Among the highlights from today's practice was an interception from senior cornerback Tifonte Hunt (Harvey, Ill./Thornton Township) during an early full team period as well as a good catch in traffic from senior tight end Ty Harmston (Stockton, Ill./Stockton). Another notable from today's first day of camp was redshirt freshman Rodney Hall (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech) lining up in multiple positions, including quarterback and wide receiver. 

Saturday is a great chance for fans to come out to Huskie Stadium and see the team as NIU hosts its Gear Sale and Family Fun Day. Practice begins at 2:30 p.m., following which the Huskies will sign autographs and pose for photos with fans. The Gear Sale gets underway in the Chessick Practice Center with exclusive access for season ticket members from 2-3 p.m. before the general public is admitted from 3-5 p.m. There are also interactive games and Huskie inflatables for the kids.   

Full season and single game tickets, as well as three-game mini-plans, for 2018 NIU Football games are on sale now through the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the Convocation Center, online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets and by calling 815-753-PACK (7225). Season tickets start at as little as $55 each (via the Family Pack) and mini-plans, featuring two Saturday and one #MACtion game, are $70. Single game tickets are also on sale.  See all the options here and get your tickets today.