By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

VERO BEACH - A crowd of USF fans were at Vero Beach Sports Village bright and early Wednesday morning to welcome the Bulls and the first person to greet the team off the buses was Vero Beach Mayor Pilar Turner.

"For them to be returning for their third year is just such a thrill. We're delighted to have them here and welcome them to our community. I hope they have another great experience," Turner said.

Turner said she's watched some of the Bulls' Vero workouts in the past and plans to be back out at the fields to support head coach Skip Holtz's squad again in the next two weeks.

"They certainly put them through the paces. I hope it makes them strong for a very successful season," she said.

Turner noted that many improvements have been made to Vero Beach Sports Village since USF's training camp stay last year and the team now has another field to practice on near the entrance of the facility.