CAPE ISSUES A FORMAL CAMP PROPOSAL TO RAMS

If Southeast Missouri State University and the Chamber of Commerce have their way, Cape Girardeau will catch Rams fever.

A proposal seeking to bring the Rams' summer training camp to Cape Girardeau is expected to be on the Rams' desk today, said Cape Chamber President John Mehner.

Mehner and Southeast Athletics Director Richard McDuffie worked to put the final touches on the proposal late this week.

The chamber president said Friday that the proposal offers the Rams several different options, but declined to elaborate.

The plan wouldn't cost Cape Girardeau taxpayers a dime, he said. But it would include the professional football team putting some improvements into existing facilities on the university campus.

He said the chamber would generate some private funds through its business network to pay for some of the perks the Rams are requesting.

Mehner said several communities have thrown their hat into the ring for the spring training facilities, including Columbia and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

"Hopefully, the training will stay in Missouri since Missourians are paying for the stadium," he said.

Mehner also feels Cape Girardeau's proximity should prove an asset. He feels the isolated nature of the university's facilities would work well for Rams training.

The six weeks of spring training would provide a trememdous boost for the local economy in terms of tourism. The influx would include team members, the press and a entourage of staff support and fans.

"It would also help the university's reputation and gets their name out. In the long run, it would help the city as well," he said.

Mehner looks for the team to make a decision in a few weeks.

"We've invited them to come to Cape Girardeau to look over our town and facilities," he said. "It would be fun if Cape Girardeau could catch Rams fever too, even if it's only for six weeks."