“We got all our plays in again, which is good for this point in camp,” said Hilltopper head coach David Elson. “We did get a little sloppy, and toward the end we got a little tired and lost communication. We put more in today, but the one thing we have to learn and start getting better at is concentrating toward the end of practice just like we’ll have to do at the end of a game."
While continuing position drills and lining up 11-on-11, the coaching staff also implemented some competitions, which Elson explained is just one part of the team building that takes place in the first few weeks of camp.
“We’re really trying to build that family culture and atmosphere, and that takes place not only on the practice field but with team meals and every aspect of camp,” explained the sixth-year head coach. “Once we get through classes this week, and it becomes all football for a little while, then you really feel like you get that camp mentality that helps to build on that team building.”
With everyone in during the summer, however, the Toppers have been afforded a little more time to grow closer as a unit. And those summer workouts have also translated into improved performance early on in fall camp.
“I’ll tell you right now, our guys improved this summer just on some techniques,” added Elson. “That just shows that they were really out here working, and held each other accountable.”
After two straight nights in helmets, the Toppers will practice in shoulder pads for the first time on Wednesday and Thursday before working out in full pads on Friday.
Hilltopper football is in its first year as one of the 120 institutions which make up the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A). The 90th season of football on the Hill will be the final transition year for WKU before it becomes eligible to compete for a Sun Belt Conference championship and a bowl berth in 2009.
HILLTOPPER SPOTLIGHT
Dan Cline, Senior, Defensive Lineman
Dan Cline is slated to start at left end on the WKU defensive line for the second straight season. He was one of three defensive players to start every game for the Hilltoppers a year ago, collecting a career-high 29 tackles — a total which ranked second to the team among defensive linemen. A corporate/organizational communications major, Cline was selected first-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV in 2007.
What is your favorite activity outside football?
DC: road trips and concerts
What is your favorite food?
DC: Skyline Chili
What books have you read lately?
DC: Everybody Poops — I read it to my two-year-old brother
What is your favorite spring break destination?
DC: Panama City Beach
What was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child? Do you have one now?
DC: Dontello from the Ninja Turtles — He had a weapon that was just a stick! ; Peter Griffin
What is your favorite t.v. show?
DC: College Gameday
If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?
DC: Woody Hayes — legendary Ohio State Football coach (he coached my grandfather at Miami). Also, FDR
Have you traveled anywhere outside the U.S.?
DC: Toronto, Canada
What are your plans after your playing days are over here at WKU?
DC: Follow in my father's footsteps and become the mayor of Centerville, Ohio.
What is your proudest moment in sports?
DC: In little league soccer I was caught upside down in the net during the match because I had a short attention span. Also, my first collegiate start against Indiana State. It was the last game my grandmother saw before she passed away. I picked off a pass and ran it back to the 30 yard line on the first play.
Who is your all-time favorite sports personality?
DC: A.J. Hawk and Kirk Herbstreit
Who is your favorite singer or music group?
DC: Jim Morrison from the Doors and Elvis
What is the best movie you have ever seen?
DC: Forrest Gump
Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
DC:My Dad and my former D-Line coach from high school, Pat Roncagli
