Football | 5/19/2018 12:44:00 PM

MONMOUTH, Ore.—Capping off the four-week practice slate, the Western Oregon University football team took part in its annual Spring Game on Saturday with over 80 players in uniform and more than 40 players that will be looking for their first collegiate game experience this fall.

The Wolves hit the field at noon for a little more than 90 minutes of action in what turned out to be a perfect day of spirited competition at McArthur Field.

"In college football at this level, the spring is our time to work on the fundamentals and it's been great to see those young players master their technique and also contribute with the starting group. We got in about 145 reps today and being able to see some of the work paying off is exciting to see," WOU head coach Arne Ferguson said.

"I can't say enough about the improvement of the offensive line and our quarterbacks. Everyone knows that we had two solid senior QBs last season, so to see our quarterbacks and our line progress this much this fast is a significant positive this spring," Ferguson added. "Our defense not only showed their speed and their physicality, but their intensity was some of the best I've seen in a long time."

Western Oregon will open the 2018 season at home against Angelo State (Texas) on Sept. 1. The Wolves will play five home games next season, including three straight to start the season.

WOU will open GNAC play at home against defending conference champions Central Washington on Sept. 8 and will entertain Azusa Pacific on Sept. 15. For season ticket information, contact the WOU Ticket Office at: 503-838-8917

"We are not a very senior deep team and we knew coming into it that we had to make some big strides going forward and so far we have seen some tremendous growth as a lot of guys stepped up and filled vital roles," senior linebacker Bo Highburger said.

"Just like when I was younger, waking up at 6 a.m. and not knowing if you are going to see the field right away sometimes the light at the tunnel is hard to see. It's really tough, but this group has done a great job of not only taking on that challenge in making themselves better, but they have been making their teammates better along the way," Highburger said.