D2 Notes: Chadron State Opens Spring Football On March 29th

By: Chadron State Athletic Department

CHADRON - More than 90 Chadron State College football players are expected to begin their preparations for the 2014 season when the Eagles open spring football practice Saturday, March 29.

Following the opening session at 10 a.m.; the Eagles will have 14 additional practices, culminating in the annual spring game Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m.

Third-year head coach Jay Long, who guided the Eagles to an 8-3 record and a second place finish in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2013, is excited spring ball is right around the corner. Long is also glad his team is taking advantage of Chadron State's new weight room. The 6,250 square foot strength and conditioning center opened in November 2013 and Long said the football team has improved because of it.

"We're ready for spring ball and I have a great feeling about this group of Eagles," Long said. "Our coaching staff has done a great job of taking advantage of our new weight room facility and helping each player become stronger and faster. The team has taken a lot of ownership in that room and they're putting in the effort they need to be putting in to succeed."

Forty-eight letter winners and 12 starters return to the Eagles in 2014. A majority of the returning starters are on defense, including All-RMAC safety Lane Haller and linebacker Dylan Furrier, and RMAC Defensive Freshman of the Year Ryan Wood.

The remaining defensive starters returning are both cornerbacks - Conor Casey and Jordan Jones - and three defensive linemen - Kyle McCarthy, Dillon Breinig and Zach Sandstrom.

The returning offensive starters in 2014 are quarterback Jonn McLain and offensive linemen Mike Lorenzo, Sam Parker and Daniel Sotelo. Both McLain and Parker were named to the All-RMAC team in 2013.

The Eagles also return punter Zach Smith and placekickers Randy Wentz and Alex Ferdinand.

"I'm confident with the leadership we have coming back that 2014 will be another banner season for Chadron State," Long said. "Our goal for the spring is always the same and that's we want to prepare our younger players take the next steps to compete as Eagles. I know our veterans will show them how to do that. And, of course, we will continue to improve on our schemes both defensively, special teams, and offensively."

Long said all practices are open to the public. Practice days and times follow.

Spring Practice
March 29 at 10 a.m.
March 30 at 10 a.m.
March 31 at 4 p.m.
April 4 at 4 p.m.
April 5 at 10 a.m.
April 6 at 10 a.m.
April 7 at 4 p.m.
April 11 at 4 p.m.
April 12 at 10 a.m.
April 13 at 10 a.m.
April 14 at 4 p.m.
April 16 at 4 p.m.
April 21 at 4 p.m.
April 25 at 4 p.m.
April 26 at 10 a.m.