March 30, 2009

PITTSBURGH - The Duquesne football team begins preparation for the 2009 season with the opening of spring drills this afternoon on Rooney Field.

Today's practice will be the first of 15 over a four-week span ending with the annual Spring Game to be played on Saturday afternoon, April 25.

"It always feels good to get back on the field," said fifth-year head coach Jerry Schmitt. "We have a lot of work to do and we're anxious to get started."

Schmitt welcomes back 15 starters from last year's team which finished 3-7 overall, including 2-5 in its inaugural season in the Northeast Conference. The Dukes return eight starters on the offensive side of the ball and seven on defense. A total of 18 different freshmen started at least one game last season.

"We were able to get a lot of our younger players some quality game experience," said Schmitt. "We hope to build on that experience this spring."

The Dukes will work out in full pads twice prior to the Spring Game.

Duquesne 2009 Spring Practice Schedulepractice dates and times subject to change
DAY   DATE             TIME             GEARMon.    March 30     4:00 - 6:00 pm       helmetsThur.   April 2      6:15 - 8:15 pm       helmetsFri.    April 3      6:30 - 8:30 pm       uppersSat.    April 4      2:00 - 4:00 pm       uppersSun.    April 5      2:30 - 4:30 pm       fullMon.    April 6      3:30 - 5:30 pm       uppersMon.    April 13     7:00 - 9:00 pm       uppersWed.    April 15     6:15 - 8:15 pm       uppersFri.    April 17     4:00 - 6:00 pm       uppersSat.    April 18     2:00 - 4:00 pm       fullSun.    April 19     3:30 - 5:30 pm       uppersMon.    April 20     4:00 - 6:00 pm       uppersWed.    April 22     6:15 - 8:15 pm       uppersFri.    April 24     4:00 - 6:00 pm       helmetsSat.    April 25     2:00 - 5:00 pm       Spring Game