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ALBANY, GA -- The 2011 Champion Albany Panthers took the first step on the road to a Professional Indoor Football League title run by getting onto the field for their first practice of training camp at Albany High School. 

Veteran quarterback Cecil Lester looks to get into a rhythm with his receiving core that includes the likes of: Antwone Savage, John Harris, Antwontis Cutts, Antonio Bearden, Fred Cromartie and Elliott Finkley.

Training camp moves over to Phoebe Field at the Albany James H. Gray Civic Center starting Tuesday, March 6 until Thursday, March 8. After which the Panthers will continue practice at Albany High School until March 10.

The Panthers will spend the next three weeks preparing for their 2012 season opener against the Richmond Raiders on Phoebe Field at the Albany James H. Gray Civic Center in Albany Georgia on Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.

EXPERIENCE PAYS OFF:  Cecil Lester (6’1, 220, Fort Valley State) was a member of the af2 South Georgia Wildcats (2007-09), before joining the Panthers for the 2010 campaign.  The 2011 season was the second full season as a starter for the quarterback and Lester made the most of it.

Throwing for 2,626 yards and 64 touchdowns while completing 57% of his passes, the Panthers made the League Playoffs on the arm of Cecil Lester.  His season was highlighted by his performance against the Louisiana Swashbucklers in the championship game, where he completed 30-of-35 passes for 263 yards and ten touchdowns earning him the 2011 Championship Player of the Game honors.  Lester looks to duplicate his success in his third season with the Albany Panthers and continue to build a bright future for his career.

COACH/PLAYER QUOTE: “I’m here for one thing, to get another ring,” newly signed Panthers defensive back Damian Daniels said in the teams’ first meeting.