Eastern Oregon University Athletics

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University football team had its 12th of 16 spring practices, and the theme of Thursday’s workout was practicing to win.

“The last few practices I’ve been really proud of some guys that have made a few strides in the right direction,” EOU head coach Tim Camp said. “For throwing a whole playbook at them, or a lot of offensive or defensive schemes at them, they’ve done really well.

“I know that our running game has picked up a little better so far. That was a big emphasis this spring. Defensively, I still feel good. I just know we can do better. We need to stop the run and get off the field on third down.”

The Mountaineers returned to the field after having Tuesday off with some players ill. Even with the time off, Camp left Thursday pleased.

“I really feel good about the direction we are going and about how we are going to get there,” Camp said.” What we have to do is turn it into reality on the field, but that is going to happen and we are very confident of that. The guys and I are pretty jacked up about the Family Fun Fest and the Blue/Gold scrimmage!”

Eastern hosts its annual family event Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Community Stadium. The Blue/Gold Scrimmage follows at 1:30 p.m. on the same field, and will be the final game in La Grande until August 28th’s 2010 season opener against Southern Oregon.

The spring schedule concludes on May 15 in Pendleton with the Rollin Schimmel Spring Game. Fans are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets to the game for seating at Pendleton High School.