March 23, 2007

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State held the first of 15 spring practice sessions Monday (March 19) on the Laker practice field. The Lakers' practice lasted nearly two hours.

"It was nice to get back on the field," said head coach Chuck Martin. "As coaches, this is what we enjoy, teaching and helping your players get the most out of their ability."

The two-time defending NCAA DII National Champions who have won 28 straight games, will spend the spring practice sessions looking to replace several key contributors to the 2006 National Championship. Gone are all-america performers such as QB Cullen Finnerty, WR Eric Fowler and DL Mike McFadden, however, the Lakers do return eight starters on offense and nine on defense.

"We have some big shoes to fill obviously with the departures of some great players, but if you look back at Laker football since the 2001 season we have had holes to fill before and the players in our program have stepped up and done the job," added Martin.

Grand Valley State will practice on Friday (March 23) afternoon and Saturday (March 24) morning.