Spring football officially began for the Fighting Sioux with the first of 16 days on the practice field, culminating with annual Green/White game on April 24.

As expected, there was no shortage of energy buzzing through Memorial Stadium during today's practice, as the Sioux took part in individual position drills. The most entertaining drills came courtesy of the offensive linemen. Offensive line coach Rod Carey and his crew ease into nothing, and the first practice of the spring was no exception on the intensity front.

One nice change from previous years was the lack of snow on the turf. The players, who have had to shovel their own field in the past, were treated to a warm and sunny day, albeit a windy one.

Head coach Chris Mussman said he's particularly curious to see what some of his younger players can show on the defensive side of the ball. He also cited the cohesion on the offensive line as an annual area of interest.

Mussman also returns a neucleus of experienced starters, including his senior captains, quarterback Jake Landry and linebacker Ryan Kasowski, both Grand Forks Central products. Kasowski and fellow seniors Ross Cochran and Curtis Dublanko head up an impressive linebacking corps that has played a lot of football. Dublanko is expected to be one of the first linebackers selected in the CFL Entry Draft in May.

The Sioux will return to the pratice field on Wednesday and Friday, and will take part in their first scrimmage on Saturday.