ELLENSBURG, Wash (April. 30) – The Central Washington University football team jumped into action Saturday morning by first hosting the 3^rd annual Youth Camp and then held the 2016 spring game inside Tomlinson Stadium.
 
"The camp is a big deal for us," Head coach Ian Shoemaker said. "It's been growing over the past three years. This year we had 180 kids attend. Papa Murphy's helped out with free pizza and Winegars helped with the t-shirts and ice cream. It's a great opportunity for our guys to work with kids from around the community and it's a fun way to start this day."
 
The annual spring game featured the Black team, comprised of the first team, versus the White team, which featured the second team. It was all Black team all afternoon as Justin Lane opened his first series with a 50-yard bomb to Nate Rauda. Rauda finished his day hauling in three catches for 72 yards.
 
"I think it was kind of how we expected it," Shoemaker said of the spring game formant. "Those guys are ones for a reason and should play at that level. I think it was the right thing to do, we have been going ones-versus-ones all spring, so it was nice to put all of ones on the same sideline and have them fight together."
 
Lane finished off the opening drive by finding Jesse Zalk in the back corner of the end zone for the first his four touchdown passes. Lane found Kyle Self on a roll out in his second series before finding Zalk two more times on the afternoon.
 
Lane finished the afternoon completing 13-of-16 passes for 151 yards and four touchdowns.
 
"That's a big positive," Shoemaker said of Lane. "Obviously you expect a guy like that to play at a high level for us and continue to grow."
 
It wasn't all offensive all afternoon as Bo Banner scooped and scored a fumble at his own 35-yard line for a touchdown.
 
Christian Cummings led the way on the ground as the Tumwater native racked up 65 yards rushing on nine attempts and hauled in one catch for 10 yards. Jordan Tufaga showed some life as he tallied 44 yards on five carries culminating in 127 total rushing yards for the Black team.
 
Austin Pernell gave the White team a lift late in the afternoon. He finally broke through the defense for the White team's lone score. Pernell finished the day rushing for 18 yards on 16 carries with the lone score.
 
The Black team defense limited the White team all afternoon allowing just 13 rushing yards on 27 total carries and 44 total passing yards. The Wildcats will continue it's spring training regiment all in preparation for their first game next fall. The Wildcats will visit Portland State University for their season-opener.
 
"Thanks to everyone that came out to the camp this morning and to those who stayed and watched our spring game," Shoemaker added. "I know the guys enjoyed themselves this morning and seeing the stands filled. The excitement was electric and it was a great day for us."