ALAMOSA, Colo. (August 31, 2016) – Adams State University returns to the gridiron on Saturday as they open the 2016 season with an RMAC tilt versus Black Hills State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. MT from Rex Stadium.  Live coverage links can be found above.

Preseason Outlook
With 41 points, Adams State was tabbed to finish 7^th in the RMAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. In 2015, the Grizzlies finished with a 3-8 overall record and a 3-6 mark in conference play. Colorado State University-Pueblo was picked to finished first with 100 points and 10 first-place votes.

Cimaglia Tabbed Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year
Earlier this month, senior punter/kicker Zach Cimaglia was named the RMAC Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native averaged 43.8 yards per punt while landing 15 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He also recorded 13 punts exceeding 50 yards. As a kicker he went 9-for-15 on field goals with a long of 42 while going 21-for-23 on point after touchdown (PAT). Of his 46 kickoffs, 27 were touchbacks. His preseason accolades didn't end at the conference level as he was also named a 2^nd Team D2 All-American.

Two Grizzlies Named To Preseason All-RMAC Team
In conjunction with his Special Teams Player of the Year award, Cimaglia earned a spot on the Preseason All-RMAC team. Joining Cimaglia on the list was redshirt junior receiver James Holtrop. Holtrop was a consistent top threat for the Grizzlies in 2015 by notching 622 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2015. His best single-game output came in the record-setting team comeback win against Western State Colorado University. In the 52-51 double overtime thriller, Holtrop accounted for three touchdowns and 121 receiving yards.

Last Time Out For ASU
Facing the third ranked offense in the country, ASU's 2015 season ended with a 52-28 defeat at home to Colorado School of Mines on Nov. 14, 2015. The Grizzlies trailed 21-14 after the first quarter but Colorado Mines exploded for 31 unanswered points.

About The Yellow Jackets
Black Hills State enters the season opener on a 12-game losing streak. The Yellow Jacket's last victory occurred on Nov. 8^th, 2014 via a 30-27 home win over New Mexico Highlands. This season, the team will turn to 1,000 yard rusher, Phydell Paris, and quarterback Ryan Hommel who is coming off an impressive freshman campaign that resulted in 2,374 passing yards and 404 yards on the ground. In 2015, the Yellow Jackets averaged 19.0 points per game while giving up 47.9 points per game. The program is under the direction of fifth-year head coach John Reiners.

Last We Met
Despite four turnovers, the Grizzlies dominated time of possession and amassed a season-high 633 yards of total offense in a 44-24 victory at home against BHSU on Oct. 17, 2015. The game remained within one possession until the Grizzlies scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull away. High offensive production led wide receiver Phil Romero to a game-high 9 receptions for 146 yards. Receiver James Holtrop added two touchdown receptions. The ground game was charged by Addie Brown's career-best 121 yards on 31 carries.

Jorge At The Helm
Junior transfer Jorge Hernandez is scheduled to make his ASU debut as the starting quarterback versus Black Hills State. The Torrance, California, native compiled 2,018 passing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015 for El Camino Community College. Hernandez also rushed for eight touchdowns for El Camino in 2015.

Young But Ready
Four freshmen are scheduled to notch their first collegiate start on the offensive line for the Grizzlies. The quartet of Joshua Kratzer, Luis Pinera, Aleki Tapa, and Riley Spriggs all ended fall camp in a starter role with senior Addison Famer anchoring the line at the center position.

A Return To The Gridiron
For the first time since 2013, running back Chaz Butler will suit up for the Grizzlies. In-between his football hiatus, Butler became an All-American sprinter for the ASU track & field program.

Introducing Your Team Captains
The Grizzlies turn to a group of five student-athletes in 2016 with the designation of team captain. Wide receiver Chad Hovasse and lineman Addison Farmer were tabbed offensive captains. Meanwhile, linebackers John Land and John Reed alongside defensive back Demari Reynolds earned captain status amongst defensive players.

The ASU Tailgate Experience (Order Form)
Returning for 2016 home games is the tailgating area located between the Student Union Building and the Administration Housing office. Tailgating will be made available three hours prior to game time and close 30 minutes before kickoff. Food and alcoholic beverages may be brought into the sectioned tailgate area but are prohibited from exiting the designated area. Only gas grills are allowed and must be accompanied with a mat underneath to catch grease. No open fires or charcoal grills are allowed. Reserve a tailgating spot today for only $10 and send completed order forms to diannelee@adams.edu or fax to 719-587-7276.

The 5^th Quarter
Following home games fans can partake in The 5^th Quarter! This postgame radio show--brought to you by KSPK--will take place in Vistas Restaurant immediately following the conclusion of every home game. Fans can take in food and beverage while KSPK's Andrew Stossmeister and Justin Taylor recap the game and talk with head coach Timm Rosenbach. Joining coach Rosenbach on Saturday's show are ASU track & field student-athletes, Jurgen Themen and Sunayna Wahi. The duo will share their Olympic experience as athletes competing for their home country of Suriname.

Program To Represent San Luis Valley With Helmet Decal
Head Coach Timm Rosenbach has announced the addition of an SLV decal on the back of each helmet to signify the San Luis Valley's importance to the Adams State football program.

"We wanted to do something to represent where we live not just where we go to school." Rosenbach said of the new decal, "The people of the San Luis Valley provide us with great fan support and are extremely active in Grizzly Club. We are their team and the new decal shows our appreciation for all they do."

The decal will be displayed on the white matte helmet and the traditional green helmet. The SLV decal marks the second consecutive season of uniform upgrades for the program. Prior to the 2015 season, the Grizzlies ushered in their white matte helmet, a gray alternative jersey, and upgrades to their traditional home and away jerseys. The assortment of new gear has allowed the program to utilize different uniform combinations on a game-by-game basis.

Team Posters
Stop by the athletic department offices in Plachy Hall to pick up your 2016 ASU schedule posters! Fans can also view posters at www.asugrizzlies.com by navigating to the "Fan Zone" tab.

Stay Connected
For any updates regarding Adams State athletics stay connected with www.asugrizzlies.com! Updates are also available through the Grizzlies official Twitter (@ASUGrizzlies) and Facebook (/TheAsuGrizzlies) accounts.