ASU Football: Dates set for Camp Tontozona

Arizona State announced this morning that it is headed back to Camp Tontozona as part of its fall football practice schedule prior to the beginning of the 2014 season.

The Sun Devils will make the trip northeast to "Camp T" on Tuesday, Aug. 12 through Saturday, Aug. 16. The trip to Camp T will culminate with the annual team scrimmage on the 16th.

"I've stated many times that I love the traditions of college football," head coach Todd Graham said. "Camp Tontozona for ASU is one of those iconic traditions."

ASU returned to Payson, Ariz. and the Tonto National Forest area in 2012 thanks to a successful $150,000 fundraising effort which was able to bring the annual trip back for the first time since 2008.

Legendary ASU head football coach Frank Kush first brought the Sun Devils to the camp in 1960. The annual team traditions while at the camp include climbing, "Mount Kush" as well as drinking and swimming in the nearby creeks and lakes.

All technology and cell phones are traditionally banned for the week in order to help the team become closer and bond. Nonprofit organization Tonto Creek Camp manages The Retreat at Tontozona which is used for corporate and youth retreats the rest of the year.

"I want to take my teams to Camp T because that is where the tradition and the season begins. Coach Frank Kush had a vision and it worked out very well. I want to perpetuate that tradition," Graham said.