With temperatures expected to be in the 80s it will feel more like the opening of summer training camp, but spring football practice opens this afternoon (March 21) for Valparaiso University at Brown Field, the first of 15 workouts during the months of March and April.

“This will be a big spring for our young players,” head coach Dale Carlson said.  “Many of them got a chance to play last year and now they will get the benefit of practicing their skills and techniques without the added pressure of a game each week.  I expect to see improvement in their understanding of our schemes and in the execution of their individual assignments.”

Carlson has 72 players on the roster this spring as he readies the team for his third season at the helm of the Brown and Gold.

“Our team has worked hard this off-season in the weight room and in our conditioning drills,” Carlson added.  “The coaches and players are looking forward to doing real football drills.”

The Crusaders will practice Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.   Wednesday and Friday practices begin at 3:30 p.m. with Saturdays starting at 9 a.m.  Valpo will hold full scrimmages on March 31 and April 14 before wrapping up spring practice with the Brown-Gold spring game on April 21 at 11 a.m.  All practices and scrimmages, in addition to the spring game, are open to the public free of charge.

Valparaiso will open the 2012 season at home on Thursday, Aug. 30, hosting Saint Joseph’s (Ind.) in a 7 p.m. kickoff.