MACOMB, Ill. - Another full day of work was on tap for the Western Illinois Football team during day four of fall camp on Monday (Aug. 8). The day started with the annual Media Day event.

The squad took a team picture in the stands at Hanson Field then talked with the media members on the outlook of the 2011 Leathernecks. That afternoon Western hit the practice fields for another two hour workout.

Western went through its second straight day in shells. During 11-on-11 drills both sides of the ball came up with key plays. The defense recorded four sacks, forced a fumble and saved a touchdown when Kieron James broke up a pass in the endzone. Three quarterbacks completed passes to eight different receivers while the offensive line helped open holes for the running back combination of Caulton Ray, Bryce Flowers and Larry Patterson.

According to defensive coordinator Thomas Casey, his unit has gotten better each time out.

"I think our installation schedule is on track, our guys are doing a good job of picking it up. It was accelerated today with a lot of our blitzes and pressures. My biggest disappointment today was it got a little hot, we got a little tired and lost our focus and mental edge. We have to be mentally focused and sharp for the entire practice as we would for the entire game."

Both sides of the ball return six starters, but Casey also returns several other key players that have seen significant playing time throughout their careers. He's also been impressed with some newcomers as well.

"The leaders we have are guys that played a lot of football but never really had leadership roles. Some of them have emerged within position groups but we do not have anybody that's the leader of the entire defense. That's one thing I want to try and find during camp," said the seventh-year coordinator. "The transition of the new guys during fall camp is fairly smooth. Obviously (Notre Dame transfer) Emeka (Nwankwo) at nose has played a lot of football so it has been easier for him. Some of the young guys have come around. The Holtschlags from Quincy (Chip and Eddy), (Luke) Venegoni from Chicago (area), those guys have come in, found a role and been able to pick up the defense and execute. I'm encouraged by that. (Air Force Prep transfer) Martinez Davis at corner has done a good job coming in here and figuring it out. I'm pleased with his progress and development in the secondary."

Head coach Mark Hendrickson thought day four overall went well as the pace continues to speed up for his Leatherneck squad.

"We had very good tempo today, it was a good pace. All coaches emphasize 'have a good tempo' and yet what happens when you have good tempo as we did today the execution at times suffered. Some were not able to execute as well as we would like them to at that fast pace. Tomorrow is day one in full pads, the fifth day of practice overall, that adds to the challenge as well. First time the guys are in full gear, we want to keep the tempo and we want better execution so tomorrow is going to be a challenge."

When asked during Media Day, Hendrickson noted that the team overall came into camp in good shape.

"As far as the overall condition of the team we are in good shape. We do have some individuals we want in better shape than what they are right now. In the big picture, we did that conditioning check on Friday morning and as a group it was very good."

Western takes to the practice fields tomorrow afternoon, starting at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday marks the first of five two-a-day sessions.

ANNUAL MEDIA DAY EVENT HELD ON MONDAY: Western opened up its Monday schedule with the annual Media Day event. The team took their group picture in the morning, helped by a perfect overcast sky. Due to construction at Hanson Field with the installation of the Matrix Turf, interviews were held inside Western Hall. Several media members from the region (television, newspapers and radio) were in attendance.

According to Hendrickson, "It really is an event our staff and players look forward to. We have excellent media members that cover us - some from the local area, some not that local. We appreciated them being here this morning. Our players really enjoyed visiting with them. I talked with a few of the players out here at practice as they stretched about their interviews, and that brought a smile to their face. They enjoy having a chance to give an interview to talk about their teammates and friends and being members of the Leatherneck Football family."
 

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS ON MONDAY NIGHT: During their team meeting on Monday night, the Leathernecks welcomed two special guests - University President Dr. Jack Thomas and Director of Athletics Dr. Tim Van Alstine. Both spoke to the team about success in the classroom and on the field, and wished them well during the upcoming season.

On Friday, University Vice Presidents Dr. Gary Biller (Student Services) and Brad Bainter (Advancement and Public Services) welcomed the team back to campus, and also gave words of encouragement and support to the Leathernecks.

SECOND ANNUAL MEET THE LEATHERNECKS DAY SCHEDULED: On Sunday, August 14th at 4 p.m., fans of all ages can meet the 2011 Western Illinois Football team at the 2nd Annual Meet the Leathernecks. The event will be held at the practice fields behind Brophy Hall. Children between the ages of 6-12 can participate in various team-led drills on the field from 4-5 p.m. Fans can interact with the Leatherneck players and coaches, then following the skills session the team will be available to sign autographs. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call the Athletics Department office at (309) 298-1190.

FALL CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

August 9 2:45-5 p.m. (full pads)
August 10 9-11 a.m.; 6-7:45 p.m.
August 11 2:45-5 p.m.
August 12 9-11 a.m.; 6-7:45 p.m.
August 13 10-11:45 a.m.
August 15 9-11 a.m.; 6-7:45 p.m.
August 16 2:45-5 p.m.
August 17 9-11 a.m.; 6-7:45 p.m.
August 18 2:45-5 p.m.
August 19 9-11 a.m.; 6-7:45 p.m.
August 20 9:30-11 a.m. Move in Day
August 22 First Day of Classes