MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois opened fall practice at Hanson Field, the site of the Leathernecks' season-opener in less than four weeks, with a morning workout on Friday (Aug. 3). The Leathernecks have another practice session to work through (Saturday morning) before the team is able to wear shoulder pads.

Keeping with their normal practice plan, the Leathernecks worked out in their position groups, 7-on-7 pass skelly and some 11-on-11. Western also installed schemes for PAT/field goal in addition to the punt game.

"Practice No. 1 for the 2012 Leathernecks was a success. A lot of enthusiasm, a lot of energy. This team is hungry; we have a lot of things we want to accomplish. We know the only way to do that is working hard," said head coach Mark Hendrickson, entering his third full year in charge. "We'll learn as much as we can this afternoon and tonight then come out ready tomorrow morning for practice two."

The Leathernecks are scheduled to begin Saturday's practice at 8:30 a.m.

FAMILIAR FACES RETURN: Seniors Max Dancer and Keith Enderlein along with junior Nate Bowman return this year after missing the 2011 season. Dancer and Enderlein both started games during their career while Bowman was one of the top special teams performers in 2010, and could challenge for the starting job at fullback. Dancer was a preseason All-MVFC pick in 2010 and has played in 22 career games. Enderlein made 35 tackles with seven pass break-ups in 12 games two years ago. Bowman played in all 13 games and recorded 14 tackles on special teams.

BACKFIELD ADDITIONS: Head coach Mark Hendrickson announced that running backs Caulton Ray and Bryce Flowers have been reinstated to the team and both practiced on Friday. They were suspended at the end of spring practice for a violation of team rules.

NEWS AND NOTES: With the addition of late signees and walk-ons joining the team, Western brought in 32 true-freshmen to fall camp. They join 20 seniors this fall... Kevin Kintzel changed his number from 26 to 17... Fullback Mike Harmon, who had battled injuries last season and all of spring drills, decided not to return for his senior year. He will remain with Leatherneck Athletics, assisting in the strength and conditioning department. Harmon was a Second Team Academic All-MVFC selection last year... Western will take its team picture on Monday morning then welcome the media to Hanson Field for the annual media day event.

FAN DAY SET FOR AUGUST 12: Western Illinois Athletics will hold its annual 'Leatherneck Fan Day' on Sunday, August 12th at 5 p.m. The event takes place at Hanson Field and is free to the public. The Leatherneck football team will sponsor a clinic for children ages 12 and under on Hanson Field, starting at 5. Coaches and student-athletes from men's and women's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's cross country, along with football, will be on hand to sign autographs for all fans during the event. There will be free prizes, food and Coca-Cola products for those in attendance. Fans can also purchase tickets for the upcoming 2012 football season during the event. For more information on the event contact the Athletics Marketing department at (309) 298-1190.

FALL CAMP DAY/TIME

Saturday, August 4: 8:30-11 am
Sunday, August 5: 2:45-5:10 pm
Monday, August 6: MEDIA DAY at 10 am; practice 2:45-5:10 pm
Tuesday, August 7: 8:30-11 am (full pads)
Wednesday, August 8: 8:30-11 am and 5:45-7:35 pm
Thursday, August 9: 8:30-11 am
Friday, August 10: 8:30-11 am and 5:45-7:35 pm
Saturday, August 11: 10-11:45 am
Sunday, August 12: No practice KIDS CLINIC from 5-6 pm
Monday, August 13: 8:30-11 am and 5:45-7:35 pm
Tuesday, August 14: 8:30-11 am
Wednesday, August 15: 8:30-11 am and 5:45-7:35 pm
Thursday, August 16: 8:30-11 am
Friday, August 17: 8:30-11 am and 5:45-7:35 pm
Saturday, August 18: 9-11 am (end of fall camp)
Monday, August 20: First day of classes