2008 Woodie Awards
Football moves ahead with spring practice
Tatiana Cummings
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: Sports
Out with the old and in with the new. The Humboldt State men's football team look to get ready to show off their new and improved skills as they prepare to get back in action for the 2008-09 season.
Last fall, former coach Doug Atkins resigned as the head football coach after eight years of leading the Lumberjack program. Coach Atkins finished last season with a disappointing 2-8 record.
After a nationwide search for a new coach, the 'Jacks return with recently selected head coach Rob Smith, former head coach for the Western Washington University Vikings.
Additions were made to the coaching staff to assist Coach Smith. Eric Tripp, the former offensive coordinator for Western Washington, will stand in as the offensive coordinator. Solomona Tapasa, former assistant coach with defensive line at Southern Utah University, will stand in as the defensive line coach.
Manoa Pouono, a former graduate assistant from Fresno State, will be the offensive line coach, and Coach Shay McClure will continue his role as the defensive coordinator.
When asked if there is a difference between this year's coaching staff and last year's coaching staff, senior defensive back Jeff Williams said, "Definitely a difference, Coach Smith is a great coach. We have a great coaching staff that cares about the players and building the program."
In conjunction with a new coaching staff, the football program has signed 16 new talented recruits throughout California that will help build the football team's future program.
There are several players from last year's 'Jacks squad set to return for next year's squad.
After already playing two scrimmage games last weekend and the weekend before, the 'Jacks are looking like a solid cohesive team.
Johnny Terrell, senior defensive lineman, said, "This helps us prepare as a team, for the long haul. They get us ready and in shape."
The 'Jacks will hit the Redwood Bowl field on Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. to play their final scrimmage game before the season starts in the fall.
The game will be free and open to the public.
Michael Streck-Woodard, red shirt freshman and wide receiver, said, "Everyone is busting their butts right now, so the transition into the fall should be really good. If the coaching staff and players keep up the good work, I expect a great season in the fall."
The 'Jacks will kick off the 2008-09 season on August 30 at 2 p.m. in Sacramento against the Sacramento State University Hornets.
Come out and support the Lumberjack football team!
Last fall, former coach Doug Atkins resigned as the head football coach after eight years of leading the Lumberjack program. Coach Atkins finished last season with a disappointing 2-8 record.
After a nationwide search for a new coach, the 'Jacks return with recently selected head coach Rob Smith, former head coach for the Western Washington University Vikings.
Additions were made to the coaching staff to assist Coach Smith. Eric Tripp, the former offensive coordinator for Western Washington, will stand in as the offensive coordinator. Solomona Tapasa, former assistant coach with defensive line at Southern Utah University, will stand in as the defensive line coach.
Manoa Pouono, a former graduate assistant from Fresno State, will be the offensive line coach, and Coach Shay McClure will continue his role as the defensive coordinator.
When asked if there is a difference between this year's coaching staff and last year's coaching staff, senior defensive back Jeff Williams said, "Definitely a difference, Coach Smith is a great coach. We have a great coaching staff that cares about the players and building the program."
In conjunction with a new coaching staff, the football program has signed 16 new talented recruits throughout California that will help build the football team's future program.
There are several players from last year's 'Jacks squad set to return for next year's squad.
After already playing two scrimmage games last weekend and the weekend before, the 'Jacks are looking like a solid cohesive team.
Johnny Terrell, senior defensive lineman, said, "This helps us prepare as a team, for the long haul. They get us ready and in shape."
The 'Jacks will hit the Redwood Bowl field on Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. to play their final scrimmage game before the season starts in the fall.
The game will be free and open to the public.
Michael Streck-Woodard, red shirt freshman and wide receiver, said, "Everyone is busting their butts right now, so the transition into the fall should be really good. If the coaching staff and players keep up the good work, I expect a great season in the fall."
The 'Jacks will kick off the 2008-09 season on August 30 at 2 p.m. in Sacramento against the Sacramento State University Hornets.
Come out and support the Lumberjack football team!
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