Aug. 10, 2006

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

JOE SUNNEN, THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Senior quarterback James Monrean has a pretty good idea what to expect entering his fifth preseason camp at Western Washington University.

The first thing to remember is that there won't be much free time for the next couple of weeks for any the 105 football players on Western's roster. The next thing to do is pack properly.

"I always bring a lot of clothes to camp because you go through them so fast," Monrean said. "And I bring a TV and an Xbox - not that I have a lot of time for it."

The Vikings opened their first camp under new head coach Robin Ross with orientation on Wednesday. They take the field for the first time this fall with a helmets-only practice and conditioning test today at 1:45 p.m.

"I think we're all just ready to get going," Monrean said.

Ross was named the Vikings head coach in December after longtime coach Rob Smith announced he was stepping down after the 2005 season.

Western holds its first practice with full pads on Monday. Its first scrimmage is scheduled for Aug. 16 at Viking Field.

Along with a new coach, Western is also entering a new conference this season. The Vikings and Central Washington University joined the North Central Conference as football-only schools last August.

The Vikings return 13 starters and 36 letter winners from last year's team that finished 4-6 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

Western opens the season against Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif., on Aug. 31.