1ST DOWN AND A SEASON TO GO SAN DIEGO KICKS OFF TRAINING CAMP IN CARSON.

Byline: Ted Kian Staff Writer

CARSON - Today will mark the beginning of Marty Schottenheimer's 34th training camp as a player or coach in the NFL, including his second as head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

But the 59-year-old coach appeared as upbeat as a first-year player while addressing media members Tuesday at Home Depot Center, new home of the Chargers' training camp.

After having camp at UC San Diego in La Jolla for each of the previous 27 years, the Chargers will train in Carson until Aug. 21. Schottenheimer offered only praise for the facilities at the $150 million complex.

``I couldn't be happier,'' Schottenheimer said. ``They gave us what we felt we needed to get our football team ready. The weather is good. The field is in excellent shape.

``I've been to training camps both near home and far away, and I prefer being away. I happen to think in a situation like that, you end up being aware that the people around you are the people you can count on.''

Schottenheimer, who has been head coach of four different NFL teams, said he does not expect any off-the-field distractions. The team is staying at the Hilton in Carson and he has implemented a strict curfew of 11 p.m.

He also refuted a reporter's implication that the Chargers' change of venue for a training site could eventually lead to an actual move of the franchise to Los Angeles.

``It's the San Diego Chargers and I think anybody who looks at it in a different light is probably not approaching it in what I consider to be the appropriate way,'' Schottenheimer said. ``We're the San Diego Chargers.''

Rookies and selected veterans, including all four quarterbacks on the roster, will begin practicing today. All other players will report Friday, with the first full practice in pads set for Saturday afternoon.

Schottenheimer is confident that his team will improve last year's 8-8 finish after a 6-1 start - the seventh consecutive season the Chargers missed the playoffs.

``I think certainly we're a better football team than we were last year,'' Schottenheimer said. ``We have some new players, but the core of our players return and they've now had a year of working under this staff.''

San Diego finished 30th in the league in total defense last year, then let go two former Pro Bowlers in linebacker Junior Seau (traded to Miami) and safety Rodney Harrison (released).

The Chargers, though, hope they upgraded a pass defense that finished last in the NFL by selecting three defensive backs in the first two rounds of the draft. None of those three players were under contract as of Tuesday afternoon.

``You've got to have speed to play defense in the National Football League,'' Schottenheimer said. ``The teams that have been successful in recent years have had speed on defense. But this is a new year, and we're optimistic that we've added players who will improve our overall team speed.''

CHARGERS TRAINING CAMP

Where: Home Depot Center, Carson.

When: Today-Aug. 21, 8-10:15 a.m. and 3:15-5:10 p.m. Only afternoon practice on July 27, 30, Aug. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 18, 20. Only morning practice on July 25, Aug. 8, 15, 21. No practice on preseason game days.

Admission: Free, parking is $2.

Refreshments: There will be food and concession stands open.

Key date: Sunday, Aug. 3, the Chargers will host FanFest 2003, which will include player autograph opportunities, interactive games, face painters, balloon artists, live music, raffle prizes and the Charger Girls.

Preseason schedule:

Aug. 9 - at Seattle, 7 p.m.

Aug. 16 - vs. Arizona (San Diego), 7 p.m.

Aug. 23 - at Houston, 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 - vs. San Francisco (San Diego), 7 p.m.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer talks to the media at training camp Tuesday at Carson's Home Depot Center.

(2) Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer talks to the media at training camp Tuesday at Carson's Home Depot Center.

Stephen Carr/Staff Photographer

Box:

CHARGERS TRAINING CAMP (see text)