Valparaiso’s football team will begin spring practice on Monday afternoon at the Maria Elena Intramural Fields, and continue for the next three weeks.

            The Crusaders have to move practices away from Brown Field this spring, as construction is underway to install field turf prior to the 2008 season.  The project began in the middle of February.

            Valpo, coming off of a 5-6 season overall in 2007, has more than 70 returnees taking part in spring practice.  The team will work out Monday through Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4-6 p.m. through April 19.

            “We are excited to get spring practice started,” head coach Stacy Adams said.  “The weather in Northwest Indiana can be unpredictable, but going outdoors will be good for us.  We are returning the most players in all my years here, including 22 seniors and fifth-year seniors, so we expect to get lots of work done this spring.”

            Due to the field renovations, there will not be a Brown and Gold game this year.