Aug. 13, 2003

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University head coach Rob Smith and his staff welcome the 2003 football squad to fall training camp Wednesday, with the first practice that evening at 6:30 p.m. on the campus field.

The players go into full pads for the first time Sunday. The first of three scrimmages is Tue., Aug. 19 (3:30 p.m.) at Bellingham's Civic Stadium. Two more scrimmages are slated for Fri., Aug. 22 (7 p.m.) and Tue., Aug. 26 (7:30 p.m.), also at Civic Stadium.

Following the final scrimmage, Western moves into its regular game-week routine and opens the 2003 season by entertaining St. Cloud State University on Thurs., Sept. 4, at 7 p.m.

The Vikings, ranked No.2 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll behind defending champion Central Washington University, return 12 starters among 36 letter winners from last year's 6-4 squad.

Western plays Central twice, meeting the Wildcats on Oct. 4 (6 p.m.) in the "Battle in Seattle" at Seahawks Stadium and on Oct. 25 in the Vikings' Homecoming/Hall of Fame game at Civic Stadium.

Western punter/placekicker Michael Koenen (Jr., Ferndale) already has been named to two preseason All-America teams.