NEW YORK — Training camp has commenced for the Columbia football program, which completed its first official practice Saturday as they gear up for the 2022 season. The Lions began the first of 24 sessions ahead of its season opener against Marist Saturday, September 17.

"It's always exciting to start the summer," said Patricia and Shepard Alexander Head Coach of Football Al Bagnoli. "This is a fun time for us as we get to see what the next wave of kids coming in will bring to the team.

"We are certainly a lot further ahead than last year when you look at what we had to endure with us not being able to have spring practice or offseason workouts, it meant that from day one, last year, it was the first time we had a chance to work with most of the players.

"I'm pleased with where we are because we have some talented kids on the team and our job is to build them from day-to-day and get to where we need to get."

Columbia went a 7-3 overall record and 4-3 in the Ivy League. The Lions also finished with a winning record for the third time in the last four seasons for the first time since 1945-48.

Highlighting the returning players on offense are a pair of All-Ivy League honorees in junior quarterback Joe Green and senior running back Ryan Young. Green was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year after passing for 1,590 yards and 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Young, who picked up second team honors after a breakout junior season, racked up 551 yards on the ground, averaging 3.9 per carry. Additionally, he found the endzone four times (three rushing, one receiving). 

Columbia's leading tackler from 2021 Scott Valentas is back to anchor the defense. The two-time All-Ivy League selection posted 56 tackles from the linebacker position. Also back is linebacker C.J. Brown (26 tackles in eight games in 2021), who recently picked up Phil Steele Preseason All-Ivy League honors and defensive back Bryan Bell-Anderson (six pass breakups in 2021).

After road contests against the Red Foxes and Georgetown, Columbia begins its home slate on Saturday, October 1 when they welcome Princeton to Robert K. Kraft Field in their Ivy League debut.

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.gocolumbialions.com/tickets or calling 888-LIONS-11.

For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.