MACOMB, Ill. - Now nearly three weeks until the August 30th home- and season-opener against Butler, the Leatherneck Football team went through their first two-a-day practice session on Wednesday (Aug. 8) at Hanson Field. The Leathernecks are scheduled for five two-a-days between this week and next.

Western put in a two hour workout in the morning and weather permitting is scheduled for a two-hour session into the early evening hours.

For the first time in camp, head coach Mark Hendrickson had the squad go through a 2-minute drill, non-tackle situation. On the first drive, quarterback Josh Hudson completed four straight passes to four different receivers, but the defense stepped up with pass break-ups by Devon Butler and Kieron James to end the drive. The defense used a sack by Jeremy Curry and a pass break-up to end the next drive.

Gino Durley, Jr. forced a fumble and recovered on the next drive, then Chris Boone came up with an impressive interception, tipping the ball to himself and coming down with it inbounds - all with one hand - to close out drills.

Earlier during 11-on-11 drills in the redzone, the offense put points on the board. Hudson found Charles Chestnut on a touchdown pass from 10 yards out. Two plays later, Bryce Flowers' ran it in on a 3rd-and-5 scenario. Hudson also connected with Justin Morgan on a score. Newcomer Fredson Salomon nearly came up a tipped-ball acrobatic touchdown catch in the corner, but the ball popped out when he hit the ground. The defense also knocked down another pass at the goal line.

Following Wednesday night's session, the team will be back at Hanson Field on Thursday morning.

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.

TICKETS ON SALE: Both season and single-game tickets are currently on sale for the 2012 Football season. Fans can call (309) 298-1190 or go online at www.GoLeathernecks.com to purchase tickets.

FALL CAMP DAY/TIME
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