Whitworth begins learning new football system

With a new football coach in hand, the Whitworth Pirates started spring practices this week with the tall order of learning new offensive and defensive schemes.

Whitworth hired Rod Sandberg last fall to replace John Tully, who resigned. Sandberg then hired Alan Stanfield away from Shadle Park to run Whitworth’s offense.

“I know the players are extremely excited to learn our new offensive and defensive schemes, and just generally to see the difference in how practices will be run,” Sandberg said in a news release. “It is going to be fun to see it all come together out on the field this spring.”

The Pirates will practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until May 10, when they will conclude spring practice with the Spring Fling in the Pine Bowl.

The event will include several competitive drills and will end with a picnic for “friends of the program” where offseason awards will be presented.

“It is great to get out on the field and begin to determine what kind of team we have,” Sandberg said. “You can only learn so much in the winter when you are inside in the weight room or out on the track.”