MACOMB, Ill. - Following three
off-days from practice, the Western Illinois football team began their final
week of spring practice on a high note Monday afternoon (April 16). The
Leathernecks got in a two-hour workout at Hanson Field.
Last
taking the field on Thursday night, and getting in some live 11-on-11 plays,
Western began a busy stretch Monday with four practices scheduled during the
week, culminating with the annual Bruce Craddock Memorial spring game Saturday
at 2 p.m.
"I'm
glad to say it was a great response to the three day break. That was the
longest break we had since we started spring ball. Enthusiasm was high right
off the bat, and there were good spirits all the way through practice," said
head coach Mark Hendrickson.
The
fifth-year head coach noted, helped in part with players staying relatively
healthy, this has been one of the more physical spring seasons.
"It
has been a very physical spring. The big guys up front on both sides of the
ball have been impressive. There's been a lot of team 11-on-11 full go, there's
been a lot of half line, and a lot of individual time of O-Line versus D-Line
whether it be in combinations or one-on-one... but a lot of work by the big people
up front," said Hendrickson. "I think a lot of it has to do with our
off-season. Drew Kramer (head strength and conditioning coach) does a great job
preparing the players for the game of football, and building up the endurance
to play football and our practices. What coach Kramer did in the off-season,
and what we did to maintain our strength during spring ball, has certainly paid
off."
Western
returns for practice #13 on Wednesday afternoon.
MOBILE APP
AVAILABLE FOR LEATHERNECK ATHLETICS: Western Illinois fans can download the
mobile app for Leatherneck Athletics, available for free in the Google Play
store for Android phones and iTunes store for iPhones and iPads. A premium app
for on-demand video and live audio is also available for download.
TWITTER UPDATES
THROUGHOUT PRACTICE:
Fans can follow Western Illinois Athletics on Twitter (@WIUAthletics) for
updates and notes throughout spring football practice.
Spring Practice
Schedule (Days and times subject to change)
#13
Wednesday, April 18 (Full Pads), 4:30 p.m.
#14
Friday, April 20 (Helmets), 4:30 p.m.
#15
Saturday, April 21 - Bruce Craddock Memorial Spring Game, 2 p.m.
#wiuathletics
