Northwest Note

Cougar football opens

spring practice today

PULLMAN - The Washington State football team will begin its spring practice schedule today, the first of 15 practice dates that conclude April 29.

The annual Crimson and Gray game will be held April 26 at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane at 1 p.m., and be televised by the Pac-12 Networks.

Under third-year coach Mike Leach, WSU enters spring ball with 36 returning lettermen from last year's squad that won six games and earned the school's first bowl appearance since 2003, playing in the New Mexico Bowl.

Offensively, the Cougars return eight starters from last season, led by redshirt-senior quarterback Connor Halliday, who set single-season records for completions (449), attempts (714), passing yards (4,597) and tied the school record with 34 touchdown passes.

Defensively, Washington State returns seven starters from a defense that forced 30 turnovers last season, tied for second most in the Pac-12 Conference and the most by a Cougar defense since 2006.

The Cougars will practice Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Martin Stadium and Rogers Field.

WASHINGTON STATE SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Today - 3 p.m. Saturday TBD.

1 - 3 p.m. 3 - 3 p.m. 5 - TBD. 8 - 3 p.m. 10 - 3 p.m. 12 - TBD. 15 - 3 p.m. 17 - 3 p.m. 19 - TBD. 22 - 3 p.m. 24 - 3 p.m. 26 - 1 p.m. (Crimson and Gray Game at Joe Albi Stadium, Spokane). 29 - 3 p.m.