CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois opened up the first of 15 allowed spring practices on Wednesday afternoon with renewed excitement as the Panthers make a drive for a fourth straight FCS playoff appearance.
Players donned helmets only for the first full practice and both players and coaches were excited about the opportunity to finally be getting spring practice underway.
“Today everyone is excited just to be getting back out on the field after all the off season conditioning we have been putting in,” stated safety Adrian Arrington, one of 21 players who will be seniors during the 2008 season.
“I see great enthusiasm with this year’s team,” added head coach Bob Spoo entering his 22nd season at Eastern Illinois. “With that being said we now have 15 practices in front of us for each guy to get a little bit better and push for a starting spot. I say every spring that no one player has a job locked up, we are looking for great competition to make us a better team.”
EIU will continue its spring practices on Friday afternoon at O’Brien Stadium. They have also made one adjustment moving this Saturday’s scheduled practice to Sunday to accommodate usage of O’Brien Stadium for an EIU track meet on Saturday.
The first of three planned scrimmages will take place under the lights on Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. This year’s Spring Game is slated for Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m.
Remaining Panthers Spring Practice Schedule
Friday – March 28 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Sunday – March 30 10 a.m. – Noon
Monday – March 31 3:30-5:30 p.m. (1st day full contact)
Wednesday – April 2 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday – April 5 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (1st Scrimmage)
Monday – April 7 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday – April 9 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday – April 11 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday – April 12 9:30-11:00 a.m. (2nd Scrimmage)
Monday – April 14 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday – April 16 3:30-5:30 p.m. (3rd Scrimmage)
Friday – April 18 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday – April 19 1 p.m. (Spring Game)
Wednesday – April 23 3:30-5:30 p.m.
