Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Finish First Week of Spring Drills
4/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 5, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's football team concluded its first week of spring practice with another spirited session Saturday morning.
Wearing pads for the second straight day, the Wildcats quickly came to life after donning full gear approximately 18 hours earlier.
"This first week of spring practice has just been an extension of what we started after our players returned to campus in January," said head coach Randy Walker. "We had a great winter conditioning program -- the best we've had here -- and the momentum from that has carried over.
"All but four players passed our winter conditioning test. That's a positive sign for the direction of this program."
Several players on both sides of the ball turned in some big plays on Saturday.
"Our guys have a great attitude and are playing with a lot of passion right now," says Walker. "We say it everyday, but football is a game of response, and how we respond after a good or bad play, will help define this team in the coming year."
The Wildcats return to Trienens Hall at 4 p.m. this Tuesday.
Session Four Notes
Approximately 60 NU football lettermen are on campus this weekend, attending spring drills, as well as the annual Northwestern Gridiron Network (NGN) Auction, which is taking place Saturday evening. The football office is continuing to build a database on its letterwinners. Call 847-491-7274 with your information if you have not been contacted ... The Wildcats conducted the "board drill" for the second straight day, and offensive guard Matt Ulrich (Streamwood, Ill./Streamwood) beat defensive end Loren Howard (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) in the day's most interesting battle. Tight end Ray Bogenrief (Cedarburg, Wis./Cedarburg) and offensive lineman Bill Newton (Gary, Ind./Andrean) also turned in strong "board" performances ... Sophomore cornerback Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington), in his first week as a college defensive back, made an eye-opening play to deflect a pass intended for freshman Shaun Herbert (Oxen Hill, Md./Bishop McNamara) ... Sophomore Greg Lutzen (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee) is playing offensive line this spring after spending the past two years at defensive end.
