Cougars spring football practice slated for March 22-April 24

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University’s football team will begin spring practice, Thursday, March 22. The schedule includes 15 practice dates, and features the annual Crimson and Gray Game, 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.

In addition to the spring practice schedule, WSU Athletics will again host a series of events in Spokane leading up to the Crimson and Gray Game. Spokane Week, as it has come to be known, will include the Cougar Club coaches luncheon, a pair of events at Northern Quest Resort & Casino featuring Cougar greats from the past, the Cougar baseball game at Gonzaga (April 17) and much more. A complete Spokane Week schedule of events will be released in the near future.

Under first-year head coach Mike Leach, WSU enters spring ball with 47 returning lettermen from last year’s squad and an entirely new coaching staff led by Leach, who was named the Cougars’ 32nd head coach last November.

Offensively, Washington State returns six starters from last season, including All-American wide receiver Marquess Wilson. Three starters from the offensive line, juniors John Fullington and Matt Goetz, and senior Dan Spitz, return to anchor the line, along with redshirt senior Wade Jacobson, who missed much of last season after starting 11 games in 2010. Senior Carl Winston and redshirt sophomore Rickey Galvin, each of whom started six or more games last year, return to the running back position.

On the defensive side of the ball, seven starters from last season enter spring drills looking to improve on their performances from 2011. Senior defensive ends Travis Long and Lenard Williams, and senior defensive tackle Anthony Laurenzi, anchor the front line. All three of the starting linebackers from 2011 have departed though the secondary returns all four starters, including junior cornerbacks Damante Horton and Nolan Washington, senior safety Tyree Toomer and junior safety Deone Bucannon.

The Cougars will practice Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Rogers Field with the Crimson and Gray Game set for Saturday, April 21 at Joe Albi Stadium.  Practices are open to the media with interview availability after practice.