Eagles Training Camp a Hit with Local Fans

Just like the famed swallows of San Juan Capistrano, the Philadelphia Eagles have winged their way back to the Saucon Valley and into the hearts and minds of diehard fans.

, thousands of fans have flocked to the area for a glimpse of a favorite player, the opportunity to take photos, and perhaps even an autograph (or two).

Here is what some local fans are saying about the team they love, the upcoming season and why they can't miss an opportunity to see the Eagles fly:

Deanna Malicka, a 2007 grad, said: "My favorite player is by far Michael Vick. Everyone loves a good comeback story and I think that he has really turned his life around and become an excellent leader for the Eagles. I was so excited when the lockout ended, I coudn't imagine the fall without football, and going to training camp at Stabler has always been one of the highlights of my summer, so I am glad I won't be missing it this year."

Martin 'Marty' Wallach, a retired resident of Lower Saucon Township, thought "it was great news" when the NFL lockout ended in July, just in time for training camp to start. Wallach said he has been an Eagles fan (win or lose) since the days when Randall Cunningham was the team's quarterback. Although some dislike Michael Vick, Marty said he likes him. With the players the Eagles have assembled, he said has high hopes that the Eagles will make it to the Super Bowl and win!

Emily Keim, a 2009 Liberty High School graduate, recalled how she and all of her Facebook friends posted their excitement and celebrated when news of the lockout's end was announced. Her favorite player is tight end #87 Brent Celek, she said. Emily predicts a Super Bowl win when the Eagles meet the Patriots! 

Morgan Litak, a 2009 Liberty High School grad, said she was glad that the lockout ended. She is awaiting word as to who will make the Eagles' roster, and specifically who will replace kicker David Akers. She is ready to cheer for her favorite player, quarterback #7 Michael Vick. Morgan said she expects the Eagles "to go all the way" this season.

Andrea Heimsoth, a 2009 Liberty High School grad, said she could not wait for the lockout to end so she could see "her team in action!" Her favorite player is wide receiver #10 DeSean Jackson. Andrea said she believes the Eagles will finally win a Super Bowl this season.

Steve Shermetta, a Saucon Valley graduate and former football player for the Panthers, had this to say about Eagles training camp: "Having the Eagles hold their training camp at Lehigh University has been great over the years, especially for young kids. I remember growing up and thinking how cool it was to have an NFL team right down the street and being able to go over there whenever you wanted to watch practice. It's become a summer tradition in the Lehigh Valley and something everyone looks forward to."

And with regard to the Eagles' upcoming season, Shermetta, a recent Penn State grad, had this to say: "There are a lot of questions that surround them. With the style of football Michael Vick plays, how many games could he possibly miss due to injury? Will the Cowboys pose a threat to them in the division? How will they fair against other NFC powerhouses like the Packers and Saints? And their biggest question, how will their new additions work out? ... I think the lockout is working against them now because they have a little over a month to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together, but Andy Reid has proven to be one of the best coaches in the NFL at playing to the strenghts of his team. If anyone can find a way to make it work, I'm sure he can."

The practice and autograph schedule for the remainder of the Eagles' 2011 training camp at Lehigh's Goodman Campus is as follows:

*Autographs take place after the team's morning practice. There are a limited number of tickets available for each session. Numbered tickets are handed out to fans upon their arrival at training camp each day. Only tickets with predetermined numbers will receive access to the Autograph Tent on that day.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS:

Fan Appreciation Day - Tuesday, Aug. 16