April 3, 2008

Thursday Catamount Football Spring Practice Photo Gallery

Cullowhee, N.C. - With a brisk bite in the air reminiscent of late-October and dodging sporadic rain sprinkles, the Western Carolina Catamount football team held its third of 15 regulated practices Thursday afternoon on the turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.

The two-hour session, which was cut just a bit short by the threat of impending inclement weather, was WCU's first in full pads this spring with most drills going live along the interior, but "tag off" - meaning full-speed hitting but not finishing tackles or taking guys to the ground - to finish plays.

"We still have a long way to go, but it is early in this spring," commented head coach Dennis Wagner after his squad's first day in full pads. "We have to work on fundamentals and technique, as well as putting ourselves in the right positions. If you are not in the right spots, or do not use good technique, it is hard to be successful."

He added, "There is talent here. But we have to build on it and not just rely solely on talent alone."

The 12-session afternoon began with individual position work one-on-one with the coaches, with each unit coming together before working through scripted plays.

Wagner stated that each practice session would end with a live, competitive drill. Thursday's was a four-play set, offense versus defense with the goal to cross the first down marker. The Catamount defense stood tall on three plays, forcing the three-and-out with the offense given the opportunity to run two extra "gassers" before the team came back together for a stretch and instruction.

"We have to learn how to win and to compete - competition on the field will make us better," Wagner concluded.

Western Carolina continues its spring drills with its fourth practice on Friday afternoon, again working in full pads.