SWOSU to Begin Spring Football Drills

March 22, 2006

Weatherford, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State begins its 2006 spring football drills Tuesday (March 21). The Bulldogs will have a total of 15 practice days, including a pair of scrimmages before wrapping up the spring campaign with the Annual “Blue vs. White” Game Thursday, April 13.

Second year head coach Ryan Held is expecting approximately 75 players to participate in the three-week session. Although the Bulldogs have 14 starters (seven offense, seven defense) from last year’s 1-10 squad, Held said that no player is assured of anything.

“This is an important time for our coaching staff to evaluate and re-evaluate everyone. We don’t have any returning starters,” Held said. “The recruiting class that is here now has certainly elevated the level of competition. That’s what we want and that’s what we needed.”

The Bulldogs will spend their first two days in shorts and helmets before putting on shoulder pads later this week. Most practices will be at the practice field located just south of Milam Stadium. The Bulldogs plan two full scale scrimmages on Saturday, April 1 and again on Saturday, April 8 at the main stadium. The public is invited to attend.

“I think everyone is really excited to get back on the field,” Held said. “The players have a lot of enthusiasm and have kept a positive attitude throughout our off season workouts.”

The Bulldogs will open the 2006 season on the road against Lone Star Conference power Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, Sept. 2.