ELLENSBURG, Wash.—Central Washington football opens spring practice on Friday, April 1, and will hold 15 practices over the ensuing four weeks. The annual Spring Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 at Tomlinson Stadium.
 
Approximately 85 players will participate in spring practice this year, as the Wildcats prepare to transition next fall into the Lone Star Conference. Less than six months removed from their fourth consecutive GNAC championship and sixth NCAA postseason appearance, the Wildcats will be looking to focus on improving their overall play, replacing some defensive standouts, and learning a new offensive system.
 
"We're really excited to be back to normal," CWU head coach Chris Fisk said. "It feels like we're back in a normal environment and the kids and staff are excited about that. One of the most important things for us is not worrying about the external factors, like a new conference and the other things that come with it, and just dive within ourselves and get better every day."
 
The start of spring practices gives the coaching staff an opportunity to begin to fill holes all around the field. Fisk and his staff have a lot of work to do over the next four weeks on the defensive side of the ball. Gone is All-American linebacker Donte Hamilton, who has made the transition to coaching as a graduate assistant for the Wildcats. Fisk will also need to replace sack leader Zach Stecklein and look to shore up depth.
 
 On offense, the challenge will be different. The Wildcats will be installing a new offensive as former offensive coordinator Zach Tinker left for Oregon.
 
"Defensively, we need to replace the guys that graduated," Fisk said. "That's the tough part on that side. And we have to get the new guys enough reps to get indoctrinated into our scheme. Offensively, we're going through another change at coordinator, so we have to shift to learning another offensive system."
 
One key area Fisk isn't concerned about is quarterback. Quincy Glasper excelled last season in his first year as the starter, earning GNAC Offensive Player of the Year honors as a third-year freshman.
 
"It's Quincy's team," Fisk said. "He comes out of the fall with some impressive credentials. He's proven he can lead the team and win big games."
 
But Fisk said Glasper will have some strong competition behind him. Redshirt juniors JJ Lemming and Zach Matlock, and redshirt freshman Daniel Buxton give the Wildcats strong depth at the quarterback position.
 
"Other guys will be fighting for the second spot, but Quincy can't relax because we'll throw those guys into the competition if he's not performing," Fisk said.
 
All practices, which are open to the public, will be held at Tomlinson Stadium.
 
2022 Spring Football Practice Schedule
Fri., April 1, 4-6 p.m.
Sat., April 2, 8-10 a.m.
Tue., April 5, 4-6 p.m.
Thur., April 7, 4-6 p.m.
Sat., April 9, 10-12 p.m.
Tue., April 12, 4-6 p.m.
Thu., April 14, 4-6 p.m.
Fri., April 15, 7-9 p.m. – Scrimmage
Tue., April 19, 4-6 p.m.
Thu., April 21, 4-6 p.m.
Sat., April 23, 10-12 p.m. – SPRING GAME/HOF
Tue., April 26, 4-6 p.m.
Thu., April 28, 4-6 p.m.
Sat., April 30, 1-3 p.m. – Scrimmage