NY Jets Land In Cortland

 CORTLAND, 04/20/09 – Senator James L. Seward (R/I/C- Oneonta) today joined Governor David A. Paterson in announcing that the New York Jets will hold their 2009 training camp at the campus of SUNY Cortland. 

 “Bringing the New York Jets to SUNY Cortland is exciting news on many fronts,” said Senator Seward.  “This is a great opportunity for area fans to get an up close glimpse at their football heroes, while at the same time providing a major boost to the area economy.”

 The Jets have been researching locations for their 2009 training camp since new head coach Rex Ryan expressed a desire to take the team to a remote destination to build team camaraderie and prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson said, “SUNY Cortland is the best place to meet Coach Ryan’s objectives of finding a location away from our home base and out of our players’ comfort zones to build team chemistry.”

New York State is providing $410,000 in grants to SUNY Cortland to help defray the costs associated with hosting training camp and for long-term improvements at the university that will benefit the campus community all year round. The facility upgrades include but are not limited to the installation of air conditioners in dorm rooms and common areas.

“The partnership will augment our already nationally respected academic majors in sport management, athletic training, physical education and kinesiology. We look forward to the internship opportunities for students in other majors as well,” said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum.  “From an economic and tourism standpoint, Cortland County and all of central New York are eager to roll out the welcome mat to Jets fans from across the nation.”

“The Jets have made a fantastic choice in SUNY Cortland, a premier college campus, and I hope it is a partnership that lasts for years to come,” concluded Seward.

The New York Jets Training Camp at SUNY Cortland is scheduled to begin on July 31, with players reporting on July 30th. For more details, visit www.newyorkjets.com.

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