As part of Ram Football’s 2012 season, the Shepherd University Athletic Department will produce a series of SU football coach talk shows for air beginning this Saturday, Sept. 1.

This week’s show will be the first of six special broadcasts airing every Saturday on WJAL-tv at 5 p.m., prior to the regular broadcast of Ram football home games.

B.J. Pumproy, athletic director at Shepherd University, explained that the coaches’ show is designed to bring more Ram news to Ram fans.

“We wanted to take our message to a larger audience,” he said.

In a taping at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, Coach Monte Cater discussed tomorrow’s season opener against Shippensburg and the forthcoming season with show host and local radio personality, Angela Orsini.

The Rams return after finishing 9- 2 and 22nd in the nation last season, with a new motto: “unfinished business.”

Cater said the Rams had “a little misstep,” mid season last year, but both he and the student athletes are optimistic this fall.

The university’s first game against Shippensburg may set the tone for the year.

“The is always one of the toughest football games we have,” Cater said.

Cater said the longstanding “natural rivalry,” against the Shepherd’s nearest Division II school will make for an entertaining season opener.

“It should be a heck of a ball game,” he said.

Starting quarterback Bobby Cooper will return this season along with much of the starting defensive line, but Cater acknowledged that there will be some challenges in “depth,” with many losses in the Ram offense.

Defensive coach, Josh Kline and offensive coach, Ernie McCook discussed their thoughts going into this season at Tuesday’s taping.

“We’re very excited about this upcoming season,” McCook said.

Both McCook and Kline are concerned about Shippensburg’s “explosive offense,” at Saturday’s contest.

“It’s going to be tough,” Kline said.

Kline’s highly praised defensive players will return after leading the nation in total rushing yards.

“Everyone’s going to expect it again,” he said,

Kline said hes been intent on keeping the players excited about their success, but focused on their individual jobs this season.

Athletic Director B.J. Pumproy rounded out the first episode of the coaches’ show.

Pumproy, who entered the athletic program the year of Shepherd Football’s NCAA final four season, said he learned about Shepherd University’s unique community of supporters first hand that year.

“The playoff was amazing.” he said.

Pumproy said he was excited by about how proud the entire Eastern Panhandle was of the SU Rams that year, and since taking over as director, he has worked to expand the role of SU football fans, through the team’s boosters.

Pumproy described RAM Nation as a chance for fans to outwardly show their support for the SU football program.

It’s been something that helps us do shows like this,” he said.

Following the taping, Coach Cater said he’s excited about the new TV show project and said he wants to see it continue with each new season on the field.

“We really appreciate the opportunity and we’re hopeful that it’s something we do every year,” he said,

According to Pumproy the coaches’ show will feature various SU athletic teams and will also highlight other portions of the university community. For more information about the show or the Ram football program, contact Chip Ramson at 1-800-344-5231.