A large group of seniors will lead the way when the Eastern Washington University football team opens spring practices on Tuesday, April 3, at Roos Field in Cheney, Wash.
As many as 56 returning letter winners will be on hand this spring and next fall when head coach Aaron Best begins his second season at the helm. The Eagle defense is expected to return eight starters, including letter winners at two other positions with considerable starting experience. Eastern will return nine starters on offense.
But best of all, Eastern will be experienced with as many as 28 seniors on the squad. Eastern had only 14 seniors in 2017 and 12 in 2016. Two of last year’s seniors, kicker Roldan Alcobendas and cornerback D’londo Tucker, are still in the appeal process to play as sixth-year seniors in 2018 but are part of the anticipated total of 28.
“It’s unusual and abnormal, but we’re okay with it – I like strength in numbers,” said Best. “This class is as big as our last two senior classes combined, so it is a different flavor this year.”
Eastern closed the season 7-4 overall and in a tie for third in the Big Sky Conference with a 6-2 record. It’s the 11th-straight season the Eagles have finished 5-3 or better in the Big Sky. The Eagles also secured their record 11th-straight winning season and 20th in the last 22 years.
Despite the continued success, the absence of playing in the postseason has left room for improvement in the eyes of the Eagles.
“There are a lot of veterans, and that leads people to think we’ll be better. Time will tell,” admitted Best. “We’ve instilled in our team that we’re a year older which should result in being bigger, stronger, faster and all those things, but we have to put in the work in the off-season and pre-season to be able to say those are the things we expect to be.”
The Eagles will spread 15 practices and scrimmages over the course of 26 days. After its opening practice on April 3, Eastern will practice on each Wednesday and Friday from April 4-27, as well as April 9 (Monday), April 16 (Monday) and April 24 (Tuesday). Eastern will scrimmage on April 13 (Friday) and April 21 (Saturday) before the annual Red-White Game takes place on Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Roos Field and will be televised live regionally by SWX.
Spring Practice Schedule
Practices take place various days through April 28. Subject to change, most practices are scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. (media interviews April 3, April 11, April 18 and April 24 at approximately 3:05 p.m.). All practices are scheduled to take place at Roos Field. Scrimmages also take place on the red Sprinturf surface at the “Inferno” in Cheney, Wash.
April 3 – Practice (no pads), 3:30 p.m.
April 4 – Practice (no pads) , 3:30 p.m.
April 6 – Practice (no contact), 3:30 p.m.
April 7 – Practice, 10:05 a.m.
April 9 – Practice, 3:30 p.m.
April 11 – Practice, 3:30 p.m.
April 13 – Scrimmage, 3 p.m. start/approx. 3:30 p.m., Roos Field
April 16 – Practice (no contact), 3:30 p.m.
April 18 – Practice, 3:30 p.m.
April 20 – Practice (no pads), 3 p.m.
April 21 – Scrimmage, 11 a.m. start/approx. 11:30 a.m. scrimmage, Roos Field
April 24 – Practice, 3:30 p.m.
April 25 – Practice (no contact), 3:30 p.m.
April 27 – Practice (no pads), 3:30 p.m.
April 28 – Red-White Spring Game, 2 p.m., Roos Field (televised live regionally by SWX)
