April 1, 2004
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Western Washington University football team holds the first of 15 spring practices Monday from 3:45 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Vikings open the spring with helmet-only sessions on Monday and Tuesday. Western also has 10 practices in either half or full pads, with the first on Wed., Apr. 7, and Thurs., Apr. 8.
The spring schedule is rounded out by two scrimmages at Civic Stadium, the first on Sat., April 17 (10 a.m.) and the other on Thurs., Apr. 22 (6:30 p.m.); and is slated to conclude with the Blue/Silver game at Civic on Sat., May 1 (10 a.m.).
"The spring is a fun time and we want it to be that way for both the players and coaches," said Western head coach Rob Smith, who enters his 15th season (99-52-1) as the dean of Northwest college football coaches. "There's an opportunity for young players to show what they can do, to start the process of establishing a role on the team."
Western, which was 4-6 last season but claimed its fourth league championship in five years, returns 35 letter winners. Eight offensive and four defensive starters are back, as well as senior Michael Koenen (Ferndale), who has handled both punting and placekicking duties the last three years, leading NCAA Division II in punting in 2002.
A key area during the spring will be the defensive front seven. Junior defensive end Joey Joshua (Ferndale), a second-team all-league pick, is the only player in that area to see extensive action in 2003.
"There's a need for certain players to step forward there, and we're excited to see who those players are. There are a number of jobs available on the defensive side of the ball, but really ALL the jobs are available right now. Competition serves as a good motivation for players to improve."
Leading the offensive returnees is junior wide receiver Andy Olson (Chehalis/W.F. West), who had 64 catches for 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Vikings open their season on Sat., Sept. 4, entertaining Fort Lewis College. That's the first of four games at Civic Stadium, and Western also hosts Central Washington at Seahawks Stadium on Sept. 5 in the second Battle in Seattle.
WWU Football - 2004 Spring Practice Schedule
1 Mon., Apr. 5 2 Tue., Apr. 6 3 Wed., Apr. 7 4 Thu., Apr. 8 5 Mon., Apr. 12 6 Tue., Apr. 13 7 Thu., Apr. 15 8 Sat., Apr. 17 (Scrimmage #1, 10 a.m. @ CivicStadium) 9 Mon., Apr. 1910 Tue., Apr. 2011 Thu., Apr. 22 (Scrimmage #2, 6:30 p.m. @ Civic Stadium)12 Mon., Apr. 2613 Tue., Apr. 2714 Thu., Apr. 2915 Sat., May 1 (Blue-Silver Game, 10 a.m. @ Civic Stadium)
All weekday practices on campus field -- 3:45 to 6 p.m.
