Spring season will feature three Friday-night scrimmages

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Saluki Football spring season will feature three Friday-night scrimmages in the community, including the annual spring game on Friday, April 17 at Saluki Stadium.

The Salukis will also hold Friday-night scrimmages at Du Quoin High School on April 3, and at Marion High School on April 10. All three events run from 6-7:30 p.m. and are open to the public.

NCAA Division I teams are permitted to hold up to 15 spring practices. SIU’s spring season begins with an early-morning practice on Thursday, March 19. All practices and scrimmages this spring are open to the public.

Hill said he’s mixing up the start times this year, with practices starting at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“I think changing up the schedule a little bit in the spring is good for both coaches and players,” Hill said. “Sometimes the spring becomes a little bit monotonous, because you don't have a game coming up. You don't want it to be that way, and this will add some variety.”

Hill said he’s working on a plan to invite football alums back for the spring game.

“We're going to be announcing pretty soon that we’re having an alumni weekend for past players, where we invite them back for the spring game, and then have the opportunity for some social activities on Friday night and Saturday,” he said.

Hill thinks this might be the last year of even having a traditional spring game, due to potential NCAA rules changes.

“I think the rule is going to change to where we’re moving to two-week practice segments in June, kind of like the NFL does,” he explained.

Saluki Football Practice/Scrimmage Schedule

Thursday, March 19: 7-9 a.m.

Friday, March 20: 7-9 a.m.

Saturday, March 21: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, March 24: 7-9 a.m.

Thursday, March 26: 7-9 a.m.

Saturday, March 28: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Monday, March 30: 5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1: 7-9 p.m.

Friday, April 3: 6-7:30 p.m. Practice & Scrimmage at Du Quoin High School

Monday, April 6: 5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8: 7-9 p.m.

Friday, April 10: 6-7:30 p.m. Practice & Scrimmage at Marion High School

Monday, April 13: 5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15: 7-9 p.m.

Friday, April 17: 6-7:30 p.m. Spring Game at Saluki Stadium

All practices will take place at Saluki Stadium unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions. If you are planning to attend and would like to confirm the time, send an email to tomweber@siu.edu.