(S29) PT 1 - Training Camp

[Maglubiyet]

Training camp is always a fun way to regroup with some teammates you might not have seen since the end of the previous season. This season's training camp in particular held a different air about it, as it was the longest time in Domine's career that he had been away from his teammates. For the Chicago Butchers it was the first time in four seasons that they would miss the playoffs, adding an additional couple of weeks to the team's offseason. The team had not added any new faces, but the departure of wide receiver Joshua Campbell to the San Jose Sabercats was a notable change in the atmosphere. As the players scattered around the field to stretch and perform their respective drills, Domine surveyed the scene. The star CB Shields, the surefire Hall-of-Famer Rubbe, the fan favorite Gelbman--they had all announced that this season would be their last one playing professional football. Other key players--Von Hayes, O'Donnell, Firestorm-Fjord--would likely not be far behind them. Domine sat squarely between the team's aging veteran core and the new up-and-coming talent, and he realized that there would likely come a time when not a single player remained on the team from when he was drafted. Even though he had just reached the prime of his career, Domine felt like an old veteran.